Ardbeg Blaaack

Smoked bacon on the nose. Palate with campfire smoke with fruity undertones. Smooth drinking. My wife, new to Islay scotch, even liked it.

Smoky, peaty

Smoke, bbq, bananas, rubber, and Fritos on the nose. This reminds me of a younger Lagavulin. Body is creamy, and finish is smooth and heavy on the Fritos. Great stuff.

A wild ride. Sweet fruit (cherry? pear?) yields to smoke and spice, with a drying charcoal note leading into a fruity, smoky finish. It takes a few sips to acclimate, but once you do, it’s very enjoyable. It offers more complexity than the usual Ardbegs, and it’s more accessible. It is a mood thing, but in the right context Blaaack is a great dram.