Ardbeg – 10 Years Old (46%)

This is Ardbeg Ten, a 10-year-old Islay single malt bottled at 46%. It matured in ex-bourbon casks, is non-chill filtered and has a natural colour. The nose is smoky fruit in thick peat, with lemon, lime, waxy dark chocolate, menthol and black pepper, plus tarry rope, smoked fish and crisp bacon. With water come sea spray, waxed citrus and pine resin. The palate balances smoke, sweetness and spice, with spicy oak, toasted nuts and citrus oil in an oily, mouth-filling texture with a salty edge. The finish is long, with smoke, black pepper, espresso, charcoal and bitter dark chocolate.