Deliciously sweet and refreshing. On first nosing, the aroma is reminiscent of baked banoffee pie and roast chestnuts. On further nosing, cloves, pine cones and fresh mint rise from the glass, softened by creamy vanilla custard.  A tingle of lemon and lime marmalade cuts through the vanilla with spiced pears followed by a breath of menthol and sea salt.  Deep ripe fruits fuse with almond and vanilla.

With water, the sweet effervescence of sherbet vanilla and chocolate limes burst from the liquid. A bouquet of scented violet, narcissus and chrysanthemum bring a sparkling ethereal fragrance. Cured ham with a dusting of white pepper and cinnamon is served with gentle smoked fish and green peppers, with a sprig of leafy mint on top.

Refreshing, silky and creamy to the palate, the initial sip is sweet with a mixture of sugared almonds, marzipan and hints of dried fruits. Gentle peat oils well up on the palate, remaining soft, clean and dry with a dusting of powdery Parma violets. Tangy lemon juice and orange rind freshen the palate with a gentle fizz. Later tingling spices and creamy cappuccino bring gentle warmth.

The finish is medium in length and tingly with a refreshing balance of chrysanthemum tea, clean lemon zest, creamy vanilla and hints of cinnamon spiced apple.

Background Information:

Established in 1815, Ardbeg is the "Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky", revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts widely available. 

It boasts a true complexity, balancing smoky peatiness and intriguing sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as "the peaty paradox".

Ardbeg has made it a double by winning ‘World Whisky of the Year 2009’, following the  triumph of Ardberg 10 Year Old  of the same accolade in 2008. Awarded by Jim Murray in his latest edition of the Whisky Bible, Ardbeg is the first Single Malt whisky ever to have won this prestigious accolade, now twice.