Time for a nightcap after a busy day; hustling getting the house ready for Christmas Eve dinner and now grabbing something to ease the remaining hours of this day. Ardbeg CE will assist, which was provided by the one and only @LeeEvolved in the tasting group. Ardbeg! I almost do not have to say much more, but I will. Sweet peat, maritime brine are an instant greeting. The peat smoke is not blasting but very much forward. Lemon shortcake, green olives brine vanilla, honey, toffee, spearmint, charred ham. Always a good nose on those Islay’s. A dark fudge sweetness on the palate on the immediate sip. As you hold and swirl there is a crescendo of Black pepper. In between the rise, a hit of tropical pineapples and/or apricots, then moving on, a blast of citrus orange and lemons, and the a kick of tarry asphalt. All this is a body that is rich and oily. A finish of oak that dries the mouth. Lemon peel, cigar smoke and tar with a final cooling touch of mint sensation. An intense ride. Dips and dives: Smoke, sweet , citrus, pepper. What fun. A deep, soul-warming dram that just works. Balanced well between sweet, spice and peat. A fun journey through this whisky. [90/100][Tasted: 12/23/17]