Ardbeg – Grooves 2018 (70cl, 46%)

Ardbeg Grooves 2018 is an Islay single malt bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. It was released for Ardbeg Day 2018. Part of the whisky was matured in red wine casks that had been heavily charred, leaving deep grooves in the surface of the wood. The nose offers smoked cinnamon and paprika, old leather and saddle soap, with pine resin, tar and salty sea spray behind. A drop of water brings out lavender soap, white pepper and fresh coriander and mint. The palate is salty and sweet, with toffee, vanilla popcorn, salted peaches, soot and smoked pears. The finish is smoked paprika and campfire with gentle sweetness.