Maps used to say cool things like “Here be dragons!” Now they just say stuff like “Portugal.” Anyway, Ardbeg offers up a dragon-scorched barrel for their annual Ardbeg Day release. If smoke isn’t your thing, turn (and run) away now. The nose is hot. Burns. Coughed a little. Not my proudest moment. The palate is heavy on the ash, and the subtleties struggle to find their way through. Aggressive. Little bacon. Little clove. Lotta smoke. All of this mixed with branding that I just can’t get onboard with (and a $110 price tag) solidifies my love/hate with the ever-formidable Ardbeg. I’m 50/50 on the brand - half I really like and half I really don’t. Unfortunately this ventures into really don’t territory for me. (AT)