Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch #3 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 19 Year Old · 2001 Vintage

Nose

On the nose there is a burst of sweet, scented wood smoke, mingled with hints of sea spray, as if carried on a breath of wind along a shoreline. Wisps of pine resin, aniseed toffee and a suggestion of flowering lilies follow on a breeze. Citrus zest and a touch of a cayenne pepper flood in. A sudden splash of water brings forth floral waxy notes along with charcoal and fish oil, and finally a drop of classic Sherry and linseed oil.

Palate

A tide of rich, sappy texture floods the palate, this is followed moments later by classic, sweet, smokiness, with tarry rope and treacle toffee bobbing on the palate. Aniseed twists and soot ripple in a second wave. Smoke is distant now but present, while smoked brown sugar, sugar coated walnuts and gentle spices ebb and flow.

Finish

A long, unhurried finish carries bitter almonds, linseed oil, clove, pepper and soot in its wake, slowly drifting away.