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

This is an 8 year old Islay single malt from Ardbeg, a 2021 release made with the Ardbeg Committee in mind. It is bottled at 50.8% in a 70cl bottle and is described as young, big and deliberately challenging. The nose opens with charcoal, creosote, tar and treacle toffee, with hints of fennel, celery and green pepper. Milk chocolate, aniseed and wood smoke follow, and a drop of water brings out herbal notes and a touch of salty sea spray. The palate is peppery, with treacle toffee, aniseed, salted caramel, chocolate, eucalyptus and menthol, turning to charcoal, smoked bacon, burnt toast and tar. The finish is long, with peppermint and clove.