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Nose: In this whisky, faint waves of scented woodsmoke mingle with sea spray and pine resin. Wisps of aniseed toffee and sweet lilies follow on the breeze while fresh citrus zest laps over notes of cayenne pepper. With a splash of water, waxy notes and charcoal flow into droplets of classic Sherry and linseed oil.
Palate: A rush of rich, sappy textures is followed moments later by classic sweet smokiness. Tarry rope and treacle toffee plunge the palate into a second wave of soot and aniseed twists. Smoke bobs on the horizon, while smoked brown sugar, walnuts and spices gently dissolve away.
Finish: A long, unhurried finish carries bitter almonds and clove in its wake, before slowly drifting away.
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Nose: Peat reek with a slight hint of leather reminds me of slow smoked meat on a Traeger or marinated jerky. It's rich with an organic earthiness similar to a tree log overcome with fungi and moss. A touch of navel orange pops through the umami, but there isn't a true sweet note. The malted barley really comes through the entire dram.
Palate: The leather and meaty notes from the nose are present, however, these notes do not overtake the whisky. On the other hand, I can only describe it as the taste of the scent of an old baseball glove. The mouthfeel is unique; it is really clean and light with a smooth feeling, yet it is not oily. Faint orange segment mixes with fruit tartlets. The cereal grain from the nose presents on the tongue as pie dough. I suppose the “soot” note Ardbeg gives is fairly accurate; to me it comes off like charcoal, but more so cigar ash.
Finish: The finish lingers for hours. It just sits at the top of the belly warming you to an excessive temperature. Adding water doesn't get rid of the warming sensation you'll feel, but it will open the whisky and give it a velvety soft mouthfeel. Finally, I recommend cleansing your palate with food since the whisky leaves the taste of having smoked a cigarette for quite a long time after finishing a sip.
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