Ardbeg Ar6 in the Elements of Islay series has been aged full term in ex-bourbon wood. Some reviewers found this to be their favourite release of the recent batch.
Ardbeg Ar6 (55,7%, Elements of Islay 2016, 50cl)
Nose: really good, rich Ardbeg. Medicinal notes up front (iodine, camphor, eucalyptus) but with a nicely creamy side too. Nice hints of leather, oiled wood. Very subtle vanilla. Something of shellac. Very good, rather warm and elegant.
Mouth: sweet lemons and vanilla custard at first, followed by a growing herbal side and deep tarry notes. Soot. Fish oils and oil paint. Warm ashes. A few maritime notes.
Finish: long, ashy and tarry. Smoked fish and herbs.
I really liked this one, it’s brave, oily and medicinal but it also has a sweet vanilla core. Sold out quickly (from TWE at least) with good reason, even at around € 120.
Score: 89/100