My last night in Hawaii….and here I am sitting on the balcony in Hilo, directly looking at rough tropical ocean waves pounding against the lava foundation. This is as far as one can imagine from Sweden, and yet here I am having one of my favorite European distilleries, pour sent courtesy of @pkingmartin . This is what a young Ardbeg wishes it was. Wafts of smoke and peat as soon as you open the bottle. Peaty, smoky, lemon-y on the palette. Well beyond its 8 years. Comparing this to the Ardbeg 8, it’s a no competition. This is by far a more quality product, with focus on the liquid itself instead of marketing bullshit stories. Well made…and yes, pricey , as Smogen always is, but you are getting a top notch product that surpasses any Islay of equivalent age.