Ardbeg “Kelpie” Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

The much anticipated release of Argbeg’s newest expression is finally upon us. As with all of the Ardbeg’s limited releases, we expect this newest edition to fly off our shelves in the matter of hours, so this is an offer that demands quick action. Called “Kelpie,” this new edition is named after the mythical beast from Corryvreckan, but also alludes to “kelp” or seaweed. Aged in Russian oak barrels from Adygea, near Georgia along the Black Sea, the whisky exudes a whirlwind of dark fudge, earthy peat, and of course a healthy dollop of seaweed and salt water flavors. As we’ve come to expect from Ardbeg’s director of distilling, Dr. Bill Lumsden, Kelpie is every bit as a profound and expansive Scotch as we’ve ever had. Bottled at 46% ABV, it has a rich and warming mouthfeel that reveals flavors of treacle, espresso, smoked meats, clove, a host of orchard fruit notes, as well as touches of black pepper spice. Ardbeg produces towering expressions of whisky and the Kelpie is no exception. For fans of whisky’s rarest and most elite bottlings, this is simply a must have.