Ardbeg – Scorch Limited Release 2021 (70cl, 46%)

Ardbeg Scorch is an Islay single malt created for Ardbeg Day 2021, a limited release themed around the dragons of Islay. It was composed by Dr Bill Lumsden and is bottled at 46% ABV in a 70cl bottle, non-chill-filtered and without added colour. It is matured in heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels of American oak, which give a smoky, scorched character. The nose offers smoke and medicinal notes with grilled pineapple, caramelised banana and eucalyptus. On the palate come toffee, caramel and toasted teak, then peppery spice. The finish is long and warming, balancing smoke, sweetness and maritime notes.