Ardbeg – Supernova 2015 (70cl, 54.3%)

Ardbeg Supernova 2015 is an Islay single malt bottled at 54.3% in a 70cl bottle. It marks recent experiments in sending spirit into space to mature. It is very heavily peated, at 100 ppm against the roughly 55 ppm usual for Ardbeg, though sharp ginger, sweet lime and vanilla come through as well. Ardbeg sits on the south coast of Islay, right by the sea. The colour is a shimmering pale gold. The nose has peppery herbs, smoky fruit, seaweed, fennel and earthy vetiver. On the palate peat dominates, with spice, salted caramel, aniseed, tar and chilli heat. The finish is long and peppery.