As salty and acrid as the smell of an Ardbeg must be, as viscous and full as an oil lamp hanging on the bow of a ship that sails the ocean, along with cloves, orange, chocolate, licorice, vanilla and coconut. There is also a clear woody component, with pine needles and damp wood, resin, to which a hint of leather is added. All well balanced and harmonious, pungent. Silky on the palate, it slips, leaving a patina almost chewable on the tongue, with the sweetness that caresses it with a sugary and caramelized profile, but you can't fool yourself, the peat is well present, moist and fleshy, with the acrid smoke that pinches the walls of the mouth. Liquorice and chocolate rest together, with the leather soaked by the splashes of the ocean as a counterpoint, leaving the citrus fruits (orange, but also a scratch of lemon peel) in the background. In length, on the damp wood of the bonfire are thrown some car tires, just to revive the atmosphere, with the peat that is still lively despite the not so young whisky. More coconut in the background. Moss. Complex and layered. A finish that fills the mouth for a long time, with ash, ocean, chocolate, orange, leather... even the empty glass recalls the flavors just picked. Rich and full without being explosive, age has greatly benefited this Ardbeg confirming its spirit, which is fully recognizable but reflective, with the strength softened by time but not bent. The aromas are well balanced, the alcohol content very centered, it requires attention and care, strange to say almost, but it is a meditative Ardbeg.