Ardbeg Kelpie (2017 Limited Edition)
Released for Ardbeg Day 2017, Kelpie is a tribute to the mythical water spirit of the Atlantic. It’s the first Ardbeg matured in Black Sea oak casks, then blended with the distillery’s classic spirit aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chillfiltered.
Nose  
Bold and oily peat hits first, layered with dark chocolate, smoked fish, and a touch of seaweed. There’s a sharp herbal edge cutting through, plus waves of black pepper. Underneath you get signature Ardbeg notes: creamy coffee, smoked fudge, and pine resin.
Palate  
Pepper opens things up, leading into treacle toffee, Turkish coffee, and smoky bacon. Dark chocolate runs deep, with an unexpected hit of peachy, estery fruit. Hints of hickory wood, clove oil, and a faint olive note round it out.
Finish  
Long and rich, with clove, tar, and deep, lingering toffee.