Ardbeg – Ardbog 10 Year Old (70cl, 52.1%)

Ardbog is a 10 year old Islay single malt from Ardbeg, released as a limited edition in June 2013 and bottled at 52.1% in a 70cl bottle. It celebrates the peat bogs of Islay and their part in making whisky. The whisky spent ten years in Spanish sherry casks that once held Manzanilla, and was then married with traditional Ardbeg of the same age matured in American oak casks that held bourbon. The Manzanilla casks add marine aromas, while the bourbon casks bring a creamy maple syrup character. The nose is rich, with pecan, caramel, chocolate and iodine. The palate is rounded and balanced, savoury and salty, with peanuts, green olives and anchovies. The finish is long, with sweet maple syrup and smoked fruit.