Ardnahoe 'Cask Strength' 5 years old 60.9%

This marks the first ever cask strength release from the Ardnahoe distillery on Islay. Opening with a big crack of pungent earthy peat and sea-spray, there is a surprising sweetness of orchard fruits in syrup and chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder. The peat smoke is reminiscent of Lapsang Souchong (smoky black tea) and curing asphalt / bitumen, with preserved lemon peel coming through in the finish. Hearty and rich, this is Ardnahoe at full volume, carrying the unmistakable spirit of Islay.