Ardbeg 14yo 1994/2008 (55.3%, MMcD Mission, Bourbon, 270 Bts.)

A bottling that escaped finishing. The nose is of peat smoke, pears (warmed), juniper, burnt twigs, mildly vegetal, some malt dust, oats/porridge (cooked) and bourbon (vanilla & oak spice). A very good nose; perhaps this is why it escaped finishing. With water a bit more of the juniper pops out and a little less of the peat smoke which is a shame. The taste is warming and gently peated at first whit some dark chocolate and then the some of the burnt twigs and vegetal notes but then a huge dry peaty taste comes roaring out of the back ground. Very nice indeed. Loads of peat here but it has the good manners to bring along other flavours and this only enhances the taste which is very good. With a good dollop of water it is much tamed but still good, don’t add too much. However, don’t despair, if you do, you can always add a bit more whisky to correct the mistake. The finish is malty and peated which quickly becomes oily dry, very mouth coating and big but quickly changes to gentle and consistent. Prawn chips (the ones you find in Chinese restaurants) It is very long (like a Toyota on a long and straight highway; unlikely to stop) and persistent and reflects the nose and taste.

Bravo, what an excellent Ardbeg.

C$93

Score 89 points.

(Sample Bottle)