Ardbeg – Heavy Vapours (46%)

This is a limited edition Islay single malt from Ardbeg, made with the purifier left out of the stills. The purifier normally returns lighter vapours to the pot, so without it the spirit is heavier and darker in character. It has no age statement, matured in ex-bourbon casks, and is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and in its natural pale straw colour. The nose is thick smoke with farmyard notes, creosote and tarred rope. With water, chocolate cream and smoked artichoke appear. The palate is smoky, with liquorice, roasted malt, ash and salty tar, and an oily texture. The finish is long and spicy, with camphor, charred wood and grilled vegetables.