For the first time in 20 years, the Ardbeg distillery on Islay has released a new age statement whisky, Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri van) which is matured for 19 years in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The tasting notes from Mickey Heads and Dr. Bill Lumsden describe a wonderfully complex dram, with notes of smoky pineapple, pine resin, soured cream and an aromatic note of wood smoke. Sweet with leather and toffee, leading to liquorice, the nose builds to a more herbal scent, with lime and vanilla cheesecake. The palate is powerful: smoky, salty and sweet, drifting to sour notes of dark chocolate-chilli and paprika. Finishing with toasted oak and roasted tea leaves, the quintessential Ardbeg peat smoke ashyness lingers on and on.
