Ardbeg Smokiverse Islay Single Malt 750 ml

Ardbeg's Islay single malt comes from the Ardbeg distillery on the Kildalton coast of Islay, one of Scotland's most heavily peated whisky producers. Ardbeg malts its barley to a high phenol level and matures the spirit mainly in ex-bourbon casks, letting raw peat smoke settle against vanilla and citrus rather than staying purely medicinal. Expect a nose of bonfire smoke and brine, a palate sweeter than the aroma suggests, and a long, drying, smoky finish. This is a bottle for drinkers who already know they like peat, or anyone curious what Islay whisky tastes like at full intensity.

How to drink Ardbeg Islay Single Malt

Pour it neat in a tulip glass and let it sit a few minutes before the first sip so the smoke opens up. A few drops of water tame the peat without erasing it if you're new to Islay whisky. Leave it out of cocktails; this is a sipping dram, not a mixer.