Ardbeg – Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Batch 3 (70cl)

A 19 year old Islay single malt from Ardbeg, released as Batch 3 of Traigh Bhan, in a 70cl bottle. The name belongs to a beach on the Islay coast beyond Port Ellen, known locally as the Singing Sands. The nose opens with wood smoke and sea spray, then pine resin, aniseed toffee, sweet lilies and fresh citrus zest with a touch of cayenne pepper. Water brings out waxy notes, charcoal, sherry and linseed oil. On the palate, a sappy texture gives way to sweet smokiness, tarry rope and treacle toffee, then soot, aniseed, smoked brown sugar and sugar-coated walnuts. The finish is long, with bitter almonds, linseed oil, clove, pepper and soot.