Ardbeg - 30y, "Very Old", 40% Abv, peated Islay single malt scotch whisky

Ardbeg’s 30 Year Old is an elegant and smooth whisky that offers a refined experience without the usual intense punch you'd expect from Ardbeg. On the nose, you'll first catch a strong tar aroma that quickly softens into sweet vanilla, moist forest floor, and light fruity notes like pineapple and dried kiwi. There are also subtle hints of ash, walnut, leather, Earl Grey tea, mandarin, and a touch of tarragon, adding depth and sophistication.

When you take a sip, the standout flavor is tarragon, beautifully blended with bright tangerine, green and red apples, pineapple, and kiwi. The palate is well-balanced with layers of green tea, liquorice, rose petals, sweet smoke, moss, herbal honey, salt, and walnut. The finish features resin, tarragon, mint, sweet smoke, and oak, lingering for a medium-long time but feeling a bit average overall. Despite not having the full intensity or a memorable finish typical of some Ardbeg bottles, the 30 Year Old is a beautifully crafted whisky that's perfect for those who appreciate a mature and complex dram.