Ardbeg – Corryvreckan (57.1%)

Ardbeg Corryvreckan is an Islay single malt without an age statement, named after the whirlpool north of Islay. It is bottled at 57.1% ABV, non-chill filtered and of natural colour, and belongs to Ardbeg's core range. It is matured in ex-bourbon casks and in toasted French oak casks. On the nose there is dark peat smoke, wet rope and black olives, with clove, tar, espresso and seaweed, then dark chocolate, blackcurrant and a little iodine. The palate is thick and oily, with black pepper, bitter cocoa, toasted nuts and peat smoke, followed by meaty smoke, spicy oak, liquorice and aniseed. The finish is very long, with smoke, spice, dark berries and a salty edge.