Ardbeg – Heavy Vapours (70cl, 46%)

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours is an annual Ardbeg release, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. Its name comes from a change in production: Bill Lumsden, Head of Whisky Creation, removed the purifier, which normally catches the heaviest vapours during distillation. The purifier is also responsible for the balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness in Ardbeg's spirit, so without it the whisky is described as all peat. Ardbeg calls it its most full-blown expression, with an intensity of flavour it considers unmatched. The nose is slightly reticent. The palate brings smoky dark chocolate, oily malt, chimney soot and white pepper, and the finish is ashy and drying.