When you hear the name “Ardbeg” you know what you typically call in for: peat, pepper, brine and sweetness (summarily). The palate, like a Pavlovian response, begins to salivate and begins to ready the dynamics. I am now ready for this eight year treat. What you would expect on the nose would be a dominant smoke/peat, heavily phenolic aroma. The phenols are present but dialed back. Sooty coal, dark chocolate, with a mix of lemon oil, black pepper, confectionery sugar. Maritime brine and sherry notes, that contribute figs and dates, hover and surround the other notes. Slightly dominant ethanol which interfere with the other notes. For a 50.8% abv, there is no bite, pins and needles, or numbness. The depth and breadth of flavor is small and narrow. Coal tar lays the base. Lemon peel, earthy leather. A subtle vanilla sweetness keeps the earthiness in bounds. What remains is cigar ash, black licorice, dark chocolate and did I say cigar ash? Which rides out for an eternity. I think the descriptions above summarize the pour. Mainly, the lack of range which surprises me. The Cory, Ugi and even the 10 are explosive, dynamic and broad. This one leaves me wanting more because I wasn’t provided more. It’s decent in general. But a passable pour. It posses nothing to make it stand out or differentiate itself. Stick with the Ardbeg core and you won’t be disappointed. Thanks @PBMichiganWolverine for the sample. [85/100][Tasted: 9/24/22]