1997 Islay Mystery (Ardbeg) 26 Year Old "Faultline" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

This is another one of those that we're simply honored and lucky to have been able to snag under the Faultline label. Yes, it’s very expensive - but old Islay of this quality is rarely trading for less than double the price of this wonderful single cask. Sure, it's listed as a blended malt, but there's no question about the source and if you're in it for the function over the form, you'll be extremely happy with this stupendous cask of Ardbeg. If the distillery had held onto these barrels, there's no question they'd be in some gorgeous special edition worth thousands. No need for further convincing. Let's taste. The color is picturesque old gold (0.6). Still extremely powerful after more than 2.5 decades offering pungent dark coal smoke doused in salt water. Pulverized oyster shell, lemon oil, lanolin, old rubber boots, salted fish, candy cane, roasted tarragon, Vin Jaune, and metal shop. On the palate powerful green and black peat smoke, tense yet full bodied, cigar ash, camphor, lemon drops, menthol, tarry asphalt. With water we add much more oyster brine and lemon oil on the nose, but the palate still exhibits powerful peat smoke albeit slightly tamed. Now we have some limestone, Myer lemons, candied ginger drops, and creosote. Absolutely top notch old heavy peat Ardbeg. Not one of these tame ones. A real refreshing contrast to the modern style peat. It ain't cheap, but you'll be hard pressed to find a similar experience anywhere else these days.