Ardbeg 10 Year Old

My first taste of an Ardbeg, one of the peatiest Islay malts.

­Nose – Peat smoke, tar and creosote, fresh pears and pear drops, then a hint of menthol and lots of creamy, buttery vanilla icing and some sharp, sweet lemon citrus. With water a hint of sea salt and fresh, damp pine forest. ­ Palate – Initial attack of peat, bonfire smoke and lots of sweet coal tar along with a vegetal earthiness. Then light but intense fruity flavours of fresh pear, apple juice, sharp citrus lemon, creamy milk in the background, with hints of pepper and allspice, with the a big hit of leafy, herbal peat returning at the back of the mouth with some salt. Oily mouth-feel. ­ Finish – Mellow, vegetal peat smoke and sweet tar, and a touch of saltiness. Tobacco, warming spices, black coffee, along with dry fennel and liquorice at the end, forming a long, slightly bitter finish.

Different from other peaty malts I've tried, a complex combination of light fruity flavours and heavy peaty, tarry smoke. Lovely complex flavours throughout nose, palate and finish and certainly recommendable.

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