I can't believe Marco gave away a Lagavulin 16, but Islay is not for everybody.

Last night was wee dram of Ardbeg Kelpie.

Tasting Note by The Producer

Nose:*A wonderful, intense, ‘dancing’ nose, with lots of different, intertwined aromas – powerful, oily peat, dark chocolate, smoked fish, hints of seaweed, and a curious, sharp herbal note. Waves of spicy black pepper.

Palate:*A peppery mouthfeel is followed by a crescendo of rich flavours. Treacle toffee, Turkish coffee, smoky bacon and lots of dark, dark chocolate. A curious burst of peachy, estery fruit, hickory wood, clove oil and a suggestion of black olives.

Finish:*Seemingly lasting forever, with deep, deep, almost subterranean flavours of clove, tar, and rich toffee.

I find it a rather pleasant Islay. Not too complex, but always enjoyable to drink.
My only complaint is that as a limited exition, replacement bottles are vettibg expensive.

The virgin black sea oak casks give this a certain flavour you don't get with mainstream Ardbegs.