Ardbeg – Dolce Islay Single Malt (47.8%)

This is Ardbeg Dolce, the 2026 Ardbeg Day bottling, an Islay single malt without an age statement at 47.8% ABV. It takes its inspiration from the golden age of Italian cinema in the 1960s. The whisky was matured in Sicilian Marsala wine casks and bourbon casks, and it is non-chill-filtered. The nose gives apricot, orange marmalade, gingerbread and raisins, then dark chocolate, toasted nuts, smoked apple wood, dry tobacco and heavy peat oils. On the palate, cinnamon, star anise and warm liquorice lead, followed by maple-smoked wood, baked dates with walnuts and lemon zest. The finish is long and complex, with smoke rounded by apricot, raisins and apple.