Peat-reek and barbeque char 33.135 (SMWS)

You don't need to know the Scottish Malt Whisky Society's numbering system to identify this as an Ardbeg. This nine-year-old, bottled in 2017, stays true to the distillery's character. In many ways, it resembles Uigeadail but amplified, with a higher ABV and an age statement. The nose offers sweet mesquite barbecue smoke, with hints of pine, burnt matches, and nutmeg – they could have named it 'Cooking Cattle in a Forest Fire.' I found it too intense to drink neat at its 60.2% ABV, but fortunately, it tolerates water well; my sample became quite palatable diluted to around 50%. Flavors of dark chocolate, dried brisket, and kippers meld into a rich, slightly sweet experience. The finish is chocolate and licorice. It's a dram to sip and savor. I'd give it 4.5/5 and consider it fairly priced originally, but I wouldn't pay inflated prices on the secondary market.

A truly exceptional whisky, earning top marks at the Ardbeg gathering. I had previously sampled this spirit and it remained impressive on a second tasting. If the 25-year-old Lord of the Isles represents a refined orchestral piece, this younger nine-year-old is an electrifying rock performance. Its lack of polish is compensated by intense flavor.

A Drammers Club pour. Excellent with notes of Raisins, Dates, Cherries, Prunes, Smoke, Tar, Citrus, Seashells, Pepper, Toffee, Vanilla, and Almonds