Ardnahoe – Chairman's Selection Heavily Peated

Ardnahoe Chairman's Selection is a one-off edition of heavily peated single malt from the Islay distillery, and the peatiest release it has made. It was created to the personal specifications of the late founder, Stewart Laing, and each bottle comes with a personal letter from him. The whisky matured for six years in a combination of Oloroso sherry hogsheads, first-fill PX quarter casks and first-fill bourbon casks, and has a deep golden colour. The nose is led by peat smoke with coastal salt and rich cocoa. On the palate the smoke turns earthy and smouldering, alongside lemon cream, honeyed malt and stewed plums. The finish is long and dry, with ashy peat embers, coarsely ground black pepper and a hint of salted toffee.