The 2015 Perpetuum was solid. I don't think I'll ever get a crack at the Dark Cove. But I did stumble upon the 2017 release--this Kelpie. I think I severely overpaid for this one; in fact, I know I did. But it in 2020, when I got it, I had to pay if I wanted to play. And pay I did. I'll try not to let cost impact the score too much since I paid more than double what I imagine original retail was. Let's check it out. Nose: Campfire smoke, peat, iodine, sea salt, brine. Early on, there's some dark fruit. Blueberry, plum, and pomegranate juice. This replaced by pierogi, smoked sausage, bacon, and brisket in time. Tennis ball. Lemon and grapefruit. Vanilla custard. Not sure it it's the leaves or something else in the air, but there's a quality of autumn air here. Especially when you light a fire on an October evening. Black pepper and cinnamon. Plenty of oak in the background. Awesome. Palate: More of the campfire smoke hits heavy. The medicinal notes are toned down in favor of some sweeter notes. Vanilla, dark chocolate, and Golden Teddy Graham's. Some seaweed and sea salt. Briny notes are also less prominent than on the nose. The smoked brisket translates from the nose. As do the blueberry and pomegranate, now with blackberry and raspberry. Lemon and grapefruit. Black and red pepper. Amazing. Finish: First it's campfire smoke, followed by black pepper and cinnamon. Black bean red pepper chili. Peat, citrus, and dark chocolate notes complete a medium-long finish. Nice way to end it. I promised not to let cost compromise my rating since I showed up to the party so late with this one. I'm glad I shelled out for it, even if $200 is a ridiculous price. This one definitely bests the Perpetuum head-to-head. It's got the balance, depth, and personality of any great Islay, while simultaneously presenting a unique profile. 4.75. Wish I knew to buy this up when it was released. If I'm lucky, this store will still have one more for me--and of course, it'll be the same price. Another $200 purchase for something that probably debuted sub-$200. Yet, for this one, I'd say money well spent.