Ardbeg Dolce

La Dolce Vita, Islay Style

Sicily, the land of headscarves, scooters and long walks along the beach, drenched in sun. Islay, the land of headscarves, tractors and long walks along the beach, just drenched.

Matured in 'dolce' (sweet) Marsala fortified wine casks, Ardbeg Dolce unites dry, sweet Sicilian heat with the classic, intense smoke of Ardbeg bourbon barrels. Inspired by the slow, soulful pace of life in Sicily and the glamourous allure of 1960s cinema, this is a whisky that takes all the elegance and charm of the Mediterranean, and fuses it with the rigged, windswept spirit of Islay.

TASTING NOTES:

Aroma
Rich and complex, the smoke is softened – mellowed by bursts of apricot, plump raisins, sticky date and tangy stewed apple. Orange marmalade lifts it all with a citrusy brightness. A splash of water reveals the deeper, earthier layers: roasted mushrooms, pine needles, salted fish, capers and olives. An Islay pantry meets a Sicilian garden.

Taste
Spices lead the way in cinnamon, star anise and a flicker of liquorice heat. Then the sweetness unfolds with maple-smoked wood, baked dates with walnuts, honeycomb and dark chocolate. Dried fruits follow close behind, wrapped in lemon rind and balanced by a savoury twist of salted nuts and dried herbs. 

Finish
The finish is long and layered, with smoked applewood, drying tobacco, bonfire embers and rich, chewy peat oils

ABV: 47.8%

Best occasion to drink: By the coast, with fellow Ardbeggians - Come Islay rain or Sicily shine.