Ardbeg Dark Cove

Take this whisky and hide it well. For its heart has been matured in Dark Sherry Casks, imparting waves of treacle toffee, coal tar, squid ink, noodles and toasted coffee grounds. Inspired by our turbulent past, this whisky is a clandestine meeting of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon casks and a heart matured in dark sherry casks. The darkest Ardbeg ever. At first meaty, earthy and spicy. Bold notes of dark chocolate emerge against orange, rich treacle toffee, coffee and oak. Wafts of a distant, smoky bonfire in the background, along with a mysterious floral note, like flowering blackcurrant bushes. And lashings of linseed oil. The mouthfeel is almost tart, or zesty lime. Raisins, dates, ginger and pepper spice surge forward, then retreat. Waves of smouldering charcoal, wood polish and huge, tarry creosote notes follow. Finally a more savoury note escapes; cured smoked ham and squid ink noodles. With a long, spicy and rich finish with lingering notes of toffee, coffee and tar.

For over 200 years, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay. Some people travel to Ardbeg along the winding road from Port Ellen. Others follow their nose, their destiny or the advice of a good friend. A whisky that has already been distinguished in different years as the "Best Whisky in the World". Making Ardbeg requires a special kind of chemistry. Some would say it’s a combination of the process and the people who make it.