Ardbeg – Heavy Vapours (70cl, 50.2%)

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours is an Islay single malt bottled at 50.2% ABV in a 70cl bottle. For this release the wash was distilled with the purifier removed. The purifier normally holds back the heaviest vapours. The spirit was then matured in classic Ardbeg casks. The nose is intense and pungent, with a farmyard note, creosote and tarry rope. The smoke dominates, with a slightly sweet edge like dark chocolate. Water brings out dark chocolate cream and a hint of smoked artichoke. The palate is spicy and warming, opening with bittersweet coal dust, cardamom, peppermint, eucalyptus and more dark chocolate.