Signature Ardbeg smoke billows from the nose. However, there are some unique notes to this particular iteration. Besides the typical ashy peat, salty seaweed, charred oak, and vanilla, this one has a hint of cognac, dark fruit like black raspberries or black currants, some roasted artichoke, black licorice, hickory barbecued ham, and a pinch of cardamom, camphorous minty spice, with a lemony citrus balsamic note. Allow it to breathe, then take your first sip, and butterscotch wafts out. Sweet and spicy on the palate, with loads of liquid smoke. Glazed honey ham, fruit preserves and mint jelly, balsamic of Modena, and fresh cracked pepper. Full bodied, satiny and coating. The legs form slowly but remain thin, with large teardrops that disappear quickly. Quite a dry and lengthy finish, with lots of charred oak, walnuts, camphor ointment, tarry rope, and burnt on bbq sauce that’s just a bit too bitter and anesthetic even for an Ardbeg. Nose: 10 Taste: 9.5 Body: 9 Finish: 7