Ardbeg – 8 Years for Discussion 2021 (70cl, 50.8%)

Ardbeg 8 Years for Discussion is a 2021 Committee Release from the Islay distillery, bottled at 50.8% in a 70cl bottle. Ardbeg describes it as a big, youthful and deliberately challenging whisky, made with its smoke-loving committee members in mind. It has an unmistakable smoky intensity, with charcoal and creosote, and curious hints of fennel and celery mixed with woodsmoke. The nose brings smoked banana and pears, rye bread, vanilla toffee and light aniseed. The palate is spicy, with melon, kiwi, aniseed and smoked toffee. The finish is long, with salty spray, nuts and smoke.