Ardbeg 13 Year Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

This was a complimentary 1 oz sample from Petite Cellars. Honestly, I can't form a definitive opinion on this whisky. Out of the seven samples I tried that day, this was the one where I felt I was only beginning to understand it. This is not a whisky that would stand out in a lineup. It's an Ardbeg. It's not approachable. The high price, around $165 for a 13-year-old independent bottling, is the initial blow. The color is light, but the essence is dark. Charred wood. Coal. Embers. A place like Centralia, Pennsylvania. The aroma is a second assault. The initial taste on the palate is a powerful hit. There's no hickory; there's no barbecue. I'm taken aback by how ashy it is in the mouth. Salt, ash, and bitterness. With time, it becomes sweeter, revealing notes of barley sugar, caramel apple, and citrus. The finish is actually light and fruity. Is this due to the complexity of an evolving spirit? Or is it simply because my masochistic senses have been overwhelmed? It's akin to meeting someone for the first time in an intense competition, getting thoroughly beaten, and then having them buy you a drink afterward. Mixed feelings, right? Ultimately, I decided against purchasing this bottle due to its cost. It might have improved significantly with more familiarity, but Ardbeg 10 and Ardbeg Uigeadail are less expensive and more reliable choices. Sample rating: Average +3 (a very good whisky) Star rating: 2.5 / 5 (not worth the price)

This space is held for a friend who has tried this but is withholding their detailed notes and teasing us. I am confident the ER can manage without you for the short time it would take to complete this important task.

Smoke and Sherry? Exceptionally good.