Ardbeg Heavy Vapors / 46% / 0.7l

For the first time ever, Ardbeg has created a whisky without the use of a condenser – a part of the still that is responsible for the whisky’s unique character, which straddles the line between extreme peat and floral fruitiness. This bold experiment, undertaken by Creative Director Dr Bill Lumsden, allowed the heaviest and most intense vapours to rise to the very top of the still to create a unique distillate, which was then aged and bottled.

The unusual distillation process used in this year's edition, and the resulting taste, are part of the story presented in the graphic novel by Dilraj Mann, a renowned comic book artist and cartoonist. The plot follows Agent 46 (AKA Jackie Thomson, Visitation Centre Manager and Committee Chairwoman) – a perceptive detective on the trail of a missing condenser, the discovery of which will restore Ardbeg's characteristic balance.

AROMA: The whisky is wafted with sweet smoke. The distinct grassy and earthy aroma intertwines with notes of creosote and tarred rope. A splash of water stirs up fumes of dark chocolate with cream and grilled artichoke.

TASTE: Ardbeg reveals its dark, untamed character. Bitter-sweet aromas explode, including coal dust, cardamom, peppermint and ground coffee. Dark chocolate, menthol and eucalyptus fumes cover the fruity and floral notes we usually expect to find in the heart of Ardbeg. Floating clouds of liquorice, cinnamon and herbal throat lozenges linger on the tongue

FINISH: The aftertaste is long and very pronounced.