Ardbeg – 1966 Moon Import The Birds (70cl, 46%)

This is an Islay single malt from Ardbeg, distilled in 1966 and bottled in 1987 by Moon Import. It was matured in a sherry hogshead and bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle, number 126 of 360. The nose opens with roasted nuts, tar, old orange liqueur, balsamic vinegar, cured ham and camphor, followed by chestnut liqueur, mint, ginger and a little coffee. The palate is big and slightly drying, with liquorice, tar, kippers, molasses and melon liqueur, turning saltier and briny with a touch of lime. The finish is long, dry and smokier, with cough syrup and a leathery aftertaste.