Ardbeg Ar11 is one of the latest Elements of Islay releases. Matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon and first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry butts.

Ardbeg Ar11 2000 (56,8%, Elements of Islay 2019, 840 btl.)

Nose: pretty exemplary. Black raisins, figs, oranges, poached pears, with a nice juicy sour touch (rhubarb compote, citrus). Cold ashes and tar, seaweed, lovely tobacco notes and hints of leather. Light pencil shavings. Actually fairly elegant and not over-PX-ed, I like that. Mouth: much more intense now, with a blast of camphory peat and rich smoke. Big peppery notes too, as well as...