But then, the note is dashed with what seems like refill wood that is exhausted (100 percent American oak ex bourbon barrels doesn't mean there aren't any refills). I'm getting a tantalizing note that reminds me of old Ten's from the early 2000's which are vastly superior to today's Ardbeg (yes, even the single cask releases). No, it is not the smoke in this dram "fooling me." As we shall see, the smoke really isn't that strong compared with past releases or other peaty Islay drams. Just not as creamy as some Ardbeg special limited releases, such as Dark Cove. Palate: The low ABV runs slightly hot for only 46% but not overly hot. Nose: Some classic Ardbeg notes here, including the typical peat, along with a charcoal note reminiscent of oceanic driftwood embers (there's the toasted oak!), vanilla pod, all spice, teak wood, some industrial notes that border on paint solvents, black pepper, caramel nougat with peanut and marshmallow, tumeric, overly fried rice (to the point of being burned), saffron. Unfortunately, Scorch's palate falls short of the nose, IMO. Takeaway: Right off the bat, the nose catches my attention. The whisky turned out to be well balanced, quite soft and delicate in taste, while retaining all the smoky-peaty moments. Lightened in its essence, peat-fruit-citrus alcohol Ardbeg was successfully combined with barrels of the first filling, giving out an interesting set of flavoring and aromatic nuances. It is not often that you find a successful combination of a heavily peaty whisky aged in first-fill bourbon casks that add vanilla sweetness and creaminess to this smoke. Well, once again Ardbeg pleasantly surprised by presenting the original whisky.
The aftertaste is long-lasting, slightly spicy, at the same time delicately peaty, with vanilla sweetness, herbs, citrus fruits, toffee, creaminess, a small charcoal and light resinousness. The taste is smoky-peaty, but at the same time quite sweet, oily, slightly spicy, which combines grilled meat, citrus fruits and licorice. The nose is sweet, with delicate peat, some charcoal and soot, and vanilla sweetness, citrus, herbaceous notes, very little anise.
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