Ardbeg Dark Cove - 46,5%
Photo taken somewhere in Stuttgart
Just in time for Halloween I had to go back to this haunted abandoned railway station nearby, to offer the ideal environment for the Ardbeg Dark Cove.
Nose
What a blast of aroma at the first sniff. Fresh and delicate at the same time! Sea-salted caramell, seasoned with tyhme and white pepper, which create this lovely freshness and spiciness. There is also a slight floral, grassy note of largeleaf linden. That reminds me of a walk in the streets of Verona this summer with a tinge of nostalgia (anything but scary, I know). Behind all this: Pleasant dark layers of new leather, bandages and iodine. After a while in the glass, raisins and white chocolate appear. My hat's off to this bouquet!
Palate
Very heavy, sweet and thick mouthfeel with tons of peat at the first sip. Lots of smoked and salted butterscotch, with a strong and wooden spiciness. We have crushed old walnuts with carob and drops of highly concentrated lime juice and eucalyptus oil.
Finish
Very long with bitter limes, spices and those lovely walnuts again. Very, very slightly I also find a plastic note in the background.
Rating
Oh boy..this babe really makes a hell of fun! Sophisticated and very delicate at the same time. Frankly speaking, the best Ardbeg day release for years if you ask me. No fancy cask maturation, simple old fashioned sherry casks did the job! I really must get my hands on the committee release, for which I need to withhold some points here.
