Ardbeg 25yo

We have been monitoring this whisky for more than ten years, as the distillate refused to be tamed by the bourbon cask. At 25 years, we are releasing it in all of its brutal strength, as we have never tasted an Ardbeg which was still as scarily powerful at this age, and not only for the alcohol: a truly beastly one in terms of smokiness, notes of diesel fuel, ash, tar and a whole bucketful of hot charcoals shoved down the throat. This brutal attack is enriched at the nose by a hint of lavender, eucalyptus, damp earth and leather, and at the palate by a slightly vegetal and ferny note. But they all are just quick strokes on a dark and brooding canvas dominated by the biggest peat ever, making most other peated malts taste wimpy by comparison.