Tonight's libations consist of BenRiach Solstice 17 Year Old Heavily Peated Port Finish. The nose is a rich medley of passion fruit, strawberries, vegetable peat, moss, kale, and faint plantains with a heavier emphasis on the fruit contribution as opposed to the peat. This is not a typical Islay peat either: it's less medicinal, with a minimal brine contribution, and allows for its smoke contribution to remain unconflicted with the port presence. The port, in spite of being tawny, does not being overly muscular either: it rules the aromas but never dives into heavier plum, raisin, and fruitcake arenas. Its donation is lighter, with bits of marzipan and tangerines rounding out the edges. The palate is where things get interesting: green almonds, dried fruit, saline, savory apples, cooked malt, BBQ pork, and campfire smoke. This rounds into a finish that is heavier on the salt contribution, where lemon tarts, vanilla, dried cranberries, and viscuous, oily peat wind down the experience. However, the brine is quite sneaky--even more than many Islays. It isn't there in large quantities but what is there in this oily dram finds its way to the roof of your mouth and stays there. After several sips, the salted pork and fruit flavors have transformed...becoming more salty and savory with each sip.