Ardbeg – Corryvreckan (70cl, 57.1%)

Ardbeg Corryvreckan is an Islay single malt bottled at a cask strength of 57.1%, without chill-filtering, in a 70cl bottle. The nose is intense, with tar, creosote and linseed oil alongside waxy dark chocolate, blackcurrants, muscovado sugar, cherries and pine needles, then briny seaweed and smoky bacon. The palate is peppery and chewy, with peppered steak, black espresso, dark fruits and bitter almonds, before star anise, hickory and a touch of violets. The finish is long, with black coffee, chocolate-coated cherries and hot pepper sauce.