Bitter sweet finding this today. Recently one of the best people in the Ohio/kentucky whisky world was let go from his job and frankly I'm a bit sour about it. But hey with a release like this, they're going to sell out, best to get my bottle and pass on more available options down the road. So sour grapes aside, Traigh Bhan, my most anticipated dram of the year. Lets dig in. Nose - Ok full disclosure I've never had a whisky's description notes be so dead on for me. First nose without any real time in the glass and I get a common theme of a candy cigar and light smoke. Yeah I know, nothing special here. It's however pretty smokey given the 19 years of age. Once it opens just a hair there's lemon lime with a heavy lime note. This of course is an ardbeg classic note. I then get perhaps a smoked pineapple. Taste - More of the lemon but some sour and bitter pineapple notes as well. Spicy notes, there's a real hot spice note here that I don't get often in Ardbeg. The smoke is a bit refined but it isn't lacking in some punch either. Anyone worried that 19 years would let the smoke fade too much I think you'll be impressed. This is really fruity, spicy, and I can see some touches of chocolate going on. My first impression was it was a bit thin but on second though maybe it's not. I can't tell if there's some sherry casks in here or what ardbeg is doing. I don't believe this is 100% bourbon maturation, but I can't place what the other barrels are. The spice makes me think european oak but the chocolate note and some of the sweetness means it is almost assuredly oloroso (doubtful it is european oak in that case). Water is actually bringing down the lime and giving me a bit more sherry notes. 299.99 USD retail vs 169 pounds. No wonder it sold out in the UK...they're screwing the rest of the world and no shocker american's are buying this stuff up from over there. This is just beyond stupid pricing and it is hurting the home market despite on the surface looking to be a favor to them. But pricing aside, should you buy it? Yes. This is absolutely outstanding whisky. Should you get a second? That's where the price point has me passing. I can't see getting a backup at 300 bucks. 300 is at the high HIGH end of my normal comfort zone and I have a feeling most don't want to spend that ever. It's over priced, but it's just so dang good. 4 stars, this is exceptional without reaching into the truly rare and special levels.