Ardnahoe – Infinite Loch (70cl, 50%)

Infinite Loch is the first core release from Ardnahoe, an Islay single malt named after Loch Ardnahoe, the distillery's water source, a short distance away and so-called 'Infinite Loch' because nobody knows how deep it goes. It was matured in a combination of first fill bourbon and first fill oloroso casks, using barley partly from Port Ellen Maltings at 40ppm. Bottled at 50% ABV in a 70cl bottle, it is non-chill-filtered and of natural colour. The nose is maritime, with peat smoke and dark chocolate. On the palate come fresh fruit, menthol and bonfire, and the finish is smoky, peppery and lively.