So, what is this year's Ardbeg Day release? It's truly Spectacular—literally, that's its name. Ardbeg Day releases are always themed, and this year is no exception. For the first time, Ardbeg has matured its whisky in highly sought-after port wine casks, then married it with classic bourbon barrels. This process creates an extraordinarily smoky and balanced Ardbeg dram, imparting all sorts of peculiar notes and aromas. It's a devilish combination of sweet and smoky peat.

The sunset orange color of the drink complements its curiously perfumed and aromatic scent, featuring top notes of fragrant lavender that give way to vetiver and incense candles. Deeper notes of leather, wax, and rich almond nuttiness emerge, and a splash of water reveals wisps of woodsmoke, damp peat moss, and hints of menthol intertwined with antique leather. Its viscous mouthfeel delivers a burst of salty, sweet, and savory flavors, including peat smoke, eucalyptus oil, minty chocolate, toffee, smoked pecans, creosote, and tar, with subtle hints of sweet pear crumble and fudge. The experience culminates in a long, lingering finish of salted caramel and cooling menthol.