This evening’s sample probably has traveled more than the majority of us. It started out in Islay, went then to the gorgeous north island of New Zealand, only to then go 5000 miles over the Pacific, an additional 3000 miles over the continental US, to Virginia, and then a few hundred miles up north to New Jersey. After having been born in Islay, and then to see New Zealand, it’s almost a sad ending to have your last stop be in New Jersey. This sample was provided courtesy of my kiwi buddy @Soba45. He sent a few samples, and I pulled this one out of the batch thinking it’ll be a fitting companion this evening as the outdoor temperatures here in NJ are at 40F, and a howling wind outside. I wasn’t expecting much from this—-reviews seem all over the place. So, my expectations were muted. Anyway, I rather liked this one. It’s not an in-your-face peat bomb like an equivalent aged Ardbeg 10. Rather it reminded me more closely to the Octomore 10, just a tad less complex. What I really loved about it was the aroma. Pineapples. Ripe pineapples. Palette is a step down; more brine and salt, all the while holding its punches with the peat. An excellent dram. Between this and it’s cousin also from Bruichladdich, Octomore, I prefer the latter—-but that is also significantly higher in price. This is clearly the better value—-buy on sight. Thanks @Soba45 for the pour !