Ardbeg Corryvreckan

$100

The Bottle: Typically Ardbeg with the dark green glass, black/gold label with white lettering. As with most things Ardbeg, they differentiate between expressions with some of the artwork on the label, as opposed to different colors and style. If you like the standard Ardbeg bottle design, there's nothing to dislike here. In the Glass: Light bronze. A bit darker than the straw-colored standard 10, though I assume that it's still naturally colored. On the Nose: So, a couple of things. First, I get the happy Ardbeg smoke wafting at me from the glass even though it's a foot or so away from me as I write this. As with other Ardbeg's, this one isn't shy about who it is. Second, the smell from the glass belies the strength. With many cask strength whiskies, it can be difficult to approach them for a deep pull without getting your sinuses nipped. While I wouldn't recommend sticking your nose in the glass a la Steve Martin in "Roxanne", it doesn't mind a more casual approach. As mentioned, I get the signature Ardbeg smoke to this, more smoked fish and campfire than medical and peat. Candied bacon. Over-ripe persimmon. Road tar (not in a bad way). Water perks this up a bit and lets it show off. A sherried sweetness really starts to shine through in the mix, along with some grapefruit rind. Taste: Smack! Sweet smoke. The arrival is damn near instant on this, it wants you to stand up and take notice. Bacon-wrapped dates with a lime marmalade. The sweet smokiness turns really complex with an unctuousness akin to pork fat and maple syrup, but then gets balanced with just the right level of astringency. From start to finish, this is a bold and exceedingly flavorful dram. This one is really firing on all cylinders. As much as I truly enjoy the 10 year old, this is almost like the "Distillers Edition" of that. The cask strength on this is perfect as it lets you find the best balance of flavor, mouth-feel and burn. Distinctly Islay, but unique in its own right; I can see why this one is such a fan favorite. You could honestly skip breakfast and just pour yourself a glass of this; and likely be the happier for it.