Ardbeg – Spectacular Limited Edition (70cl, 46%)

Ardbeg Spectacular is a limited Islay single malt released for Ardbeg Day. It is the first Ardbeg to use port casks, with the whisky from them married to whisky matured in bourbon casks. It is bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle, without chill filtration or added colour. Strong peat smoke sits alongside floral, sweet and salty impressions, and the cask combination sets it apart from Ardbeg's usual bourbon cask maturation. The nose opens with lavender, vetiver and incense, then leather, almonds and wax; water brings out wood smoke, damp peat moss and a hint of menthol. The palate is salty and dense, with eucalyptus, salted caramel, smoked pecans, creosote, tar, pear crumble and fudge. The long finish returns to leather and salted caramel, leaving a cooling menthol note.