Ardbeg – Smokiverse (75cl, 48.3%)

Ardbeg Smokiverse is a limited-edition Islay single malt, bottled at 48.3% ABV in a 75cl bottle and carrying no age statement. It is the first Ardbeg made with high-gravity mashing, which uses less water and more grain in the mash tun. The concentrated wort increases the fruity acetate esters formed in fermentation, and the spirit then matures in ex-bourbon casks, setting tropical fruit against the distillery's heavy peat smoke. The nose is smoked bubblegum, ripening barley and toasted sourdough, with tropical fruit, tar and creosote. The palate is creamy, with muscovado sugar, aniseed, clove and juicy tropical fruit. The finish is long, with peat moss, bonfire embers and clove.