Ardbeg 21 year old Whisky

The Ardbeg 21 Year Old committee release whisky is the first age statement Ardbeg to be released in years. This long awaited for whisky is perfect and in the words of Mark, 'With Ardbeg Twenty One you are paying the money for the rarity that is obvious, but the liquid you are getting is gorgeous. Less like new Ardbeg's, a lot like older ones. Honest. Raw. No fancy tricks.'   Nose: Very coastal at first, with salt-spray and lemon juice.  A beautiful sweet peat note mixing with the vanilla from the American oak. Smoked salmon. Sage. Assam tea. Burnt bacon.  Palate : unexpectedly clean for an Ardbeg,  with a lightly cloying texture. Smoked salmon. The peat is gentle but there's plenty of peppery warmth. Very mossy and herbal: sage and thyme. Hemp. Vanilla returns, perhaps with a touch of floral honey combined. Tinned tomatoes. Finish: The pepper returns on a lingering finish.