Ardbeg Anthology 15 Year Old – The Beithir's Tale (46%)

This is a 15 year old Islay single malt from Ardbeg, the third release in its Anthology series. It takes its name from the Beithir, a creature of Highland and Hebridean folklore. The whisky matured in specially toasted bourbon casks, which Ardbeg calls designer charred casks. It is bottled at 46% ABV and is non-chill-filtered. The nose opens with cool menthol and eucalyptus, then fennel, pine needles and a soft beeswax sweetness. On the palate, strong peat smoke meets roasted coffee, raisins and velvety vanilla cream.