Ardbeg – Smoketrails The Ultimate Manzanilla Edition Batch No. SP/MZL 2022/01-ST (46%)

An Islay single malt from Ardbeg, the first edition in its Smoketrails series. It was originally created for global travel retail and the Ardbeg visitor centre. The heavily peated spirit is matured in Manzanilla sherry casks, a dry sherry style from the Spanish Atlantic coast around Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The result leans towards dry, salty and spicy notes rather than sweet fruit. It is bottled at 46% ABV, without chill-filtration or added colour. The nose is typically described as strong peat smoke and tar with salty sea spray, pine resin and an unusual hint of saddle soap.