Ardbeg – Drum 2019 (70cl, 46%)

Ardbeg Drum 2019 is a limited Islay single malt, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle and released on Ardbeg Day. It was matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in casks that previously held rum, a first for the distillery. According to Ardbeg, the release was inspired by the carnival tradition on Islay. The usual wood smoke, pine resin and sea spray meet sweeter spice and fruit. The colour is dark gold. The nose has smoked apple and pineapple, ripe banana, pine resin and light wood smoke, with cocoa powder, cinnamon and ginger-spiced dates. The palate is peppery and smoky, with tar, dark chocolate, cloves, liquorice and ginger. The finish is smoky, with spice and coffee liqueur.