Ardbeg – 10 Year Old Peated Single Malt (70cl, 46%)

This is a 10 year old peated Islay single malt from Ardbeg, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. The peat is not pushed forward; it gives way to the natural sweetness of the malt. The nose opens with smoky fruit and peat alongside lemon and lime and waxy dark chocolate, then menthol, black pepper, tar and graphite. Smoked fish, crispy bacon, green pepper, baked pineapple and pear juice follow. Water brings out cool, briny seaspray, with coal tar soap, beeswax and pine. Toasted vanilla, cinnamon, hazelnut and almond toffee sit beneath.