Ardbeg – Corryvreckan (70cl, 57.1%)

A heavily peated Islay single malt, matured in bourbon casks and new French oak casks. It takes its name from a whirlpool north of Islay. It was first released exclusively for the Ardbeg Committee and has been part of the distillery's core range since 2009. It carries no age statement and is bottled at 57.1%, non-chill-filtered and without added colouring. The nose brings tarry rope, creosote and linseed oil alongside dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar, then ripe cherries and pine needles, with seaweed, smoked bacon, vanilla, cloves and blueberries. The palate recalls steak with peppercorn sauce, with seaweed, tarry espresso, dark fruit and bitter almonds, then drying star anise and hickory. The finish is long and strong, with tarry black coffee, chocolate-covered cherries and sharp pepper.