A single cask release from the Ardbeg distillery on Islay, by independent bottler Elixir Distillers as part of The Single Malts of Scotland Director's Special range in honour of the 2019 Whisky Show: Old & Rare in London. Only 175 bottles were produced. Non-chillfiltered, naturally coloured and bottled at a cask strength of 55.5%. (Bottle size 70cl)

Nose: A waft of pipe tobacco. As the smoke clears, an orchard comes into view with apricots and pears. Tarred rope and dusty wicker chairs surround a beach bonfire. With water, lemon cake is served with a cup of sweet lapsang souchong tea.

Palate: Burning oakwood chips. Grilled vegetables – capsicum and courgette – are sprinkled with sea salt and cracked black pepper. After a while,the spicy vegetal notes develop into liquorice and rich tannins.

Finish: Once the flames on the grill have settled down, just the ashes remain. Sweetness returns with soft fruits and hazelnut.