Ardbeg 13y/o "Makes My Heart Wreck" East Village Whisky Co. 54.4%ABV 30ml

A not very secret Islay from Ardbeg. Ardbeg is like an ex-girlfriend to me I collected Ardbeg whisky for nearly 20 years but now I'm just left disappointed most of the time. This is a great peaty and fruity dram much better - I could fall in love again but wait the bottles called makes my heart wreck - probably because single cask Ardbeg bottled by the distillery often costs thousands - it does break my heart. Its easy to spot independently bottled Ardbeg too based on price - as they are twice as expensive as other Secret Islay malts.

*Spoiler - this is in the Islay Advent Calendar so avoid if you have purchased that and apologies for ruining the surprise.

Tasting notes

Nose: Ripe yellow fruits, mirabelle plum, juicy pear, yellow plums, honey, campfire, some ash, a hint of vanilla, great interplay of sweetness and smoke, after a while mandarin and lychee.

Palate: Sharp attack, the nose conveyed less alcohol, white pepper, ash, mineral, honeydew melon, some burnt bread, citrus notes, lime, lemon biscuit, some dullness on the palate, shortcrust pastry.

Finish: Citrus notes, dry, astringent and long.