Ardbeg – Grooves (70cl, 46%)

Ardbeg Grooves is an Islay single malt bottled at 46%, 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 wood. The nose is thick and spiced, with iodine, seaweed, golden syrup and lavender, over damp bonfire wood, old oak and dried grass, with butterscotch, stone fruit and a little marzipan. The palate opens big and salty, with vanilla fudge, toffee popcorn and tarred orchard fruit, then cured meats, paprika, green chilli and old leather. The finish carries seaside bonfire and smoked salt through a mellow sweetness.