Ardbeg Kelpie

Bottle kill of the first bottle found in November 2020. Upon futher review, of the Ardbeg offerings that I have tasted, I think this is my favorite nose. Complex yet restrained with thick, vegetal peat smoke, grilled peaches, charred wood, ginger, clove, smoked meats and sea spray. Palate: Lightly viscous with ashy smoke, juicy peaches, sweet citrus, sea salt, seaweed, kippers, charred oak, barrel spices, brine, pepper, savory, earthy, nutty and a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate. Finish: Long, warming, earthy, citrusy, briny with sea salt, barrel char, and dry peat ash. So easy to drink and love. Distller Review No. 990

Golden. Smoke, peat, apple, salty. Salt. Peat. Smoke. Leaves a long smoky and violently peaty aftertaste. 2cl would've been enough. At least 4cl was too much.

Peppery, smoky, beachy classic ardbeg BUT it has a subtle and extremely pleasant fruit note. Ardbeg always amazes me at their ability to touch opposite ends of the flavor spectrums. It first hits with heavy classic smoky islay and then quickly but deftly transitions to tropical and orchard fruits. Lovely master distiller expertise. Finish takes you away to an ashy, fruity wonderland.

Nose is bready and sour, with hints of salt and sea funk (living up to its name). The palate is thick and hearty. Not sweet, but not aggressive. Full campfire that wraps you in a hug that leathery not soft.

N: sweet, sherry, licorice M: some pepper (and more on palate), light, some peat