Nose: Very distinctively oily, with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood, aromatic herbs (coriander & sage) and a suggestion of smoked lemon peel. A splash of water releases more oiliness, like linseed oil, a gentle waxiness, and a burst of perfumed, aromatic carbolic soap, and finally, a whiff of crème brulee. Mouth: A soft, oily, mouthcoating texture leads into a rich, sweet, smoky palate, with hints of oak moss, treacle, aniseed lozenges and a lovely, sweet, woody/balsamic flavour. This is then followed by smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil. Finish: Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.
Inspired by the seldom-seen Harpy – a winged beast said to inhabit Islay – this legendary edition is a first for the Distillery. The Harpy’s Tale has been matured for 13 years in rare Sauternes wine casks and married with classic Ardbeg ex-bourbon. After over a decade in the cask, soaring smoke swoops into sweetness as Ardbeg’s unmistakable character wrangles with the richness of the Sauternes casks. A supreme aged expression… the taste almost as sensational as the tale…
Nose: Notes of delicate orange lead followed by touches of apricot and popcorn lending sweetness to the maritime seaweed that echoes in the glass. Subtle pipe tobacco adds to the elegant smokiness and is rounded out by honey, vanilla and boiled sweets.
Palate: Light and zesty oak spice is joined by the rich and sweet bonfire smokiness that is so unmistakably Torabhaig spirit. Subtly waxy with hints of honey and vanilla balancing sea salt and seaweed that ebbs away to white pepper and sweet spice.
Finish: Like a sunset over the Sound of Sleat, this is lingering and elegant with notes of honey, storms and the ocean.
Nose: A herbaceous, floral note immediately reveals itself through aromas of tomato plants and heather, accompanied by a hint of morello cherry and smoked bacon.
Mouth: Sweet and savory meet, with notes of smoked ham, raspberry jam and honey.
Finish: Characteristic coastal notes appear on the finish.
Nose: Beautiful aromatic fusion of coffee, ginger spice and a hint of milk chocolate.
Mouth: Caramelized peach, licorice and candied orange with a hint of sea spray and smoke.
Nose: Very distinctively oily, with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood, aromatic herbs (coriander & sage) and a suggestion of smoked lemon peel. A splash of water releases more oiliness, like linseed oil, a gentle waxiness, and a burst of perfumed, aromatic carbolic soap, and finally, a whiff of crème brulee. Mouth: A soft, oily, mouthcoating texture leads into a rich, sweet, smoky palate, with hints of oak moss, treacle, aniseed lozenges and a lovely, sweet, woody/balsamic flavour. This is then followed by smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil. Finish: Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.