Ardbeg 1974 19yo

Ardbeg 1974 19yo

First Cask, The Malt Whisky Circle
Single malt - Islay
Light gold 
46% ABV
Dram

Nose: Peat, smoke, chocolate, pears, apples, hints of peaches. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, slippery, cool. 
Tasting:  Bitter salty. Sea salt, peat, smoke, dark chocolate, pears, lemon zest, peaches, hints of balsamic vinegar. 
Finish: Long. Peat, smoke, tobacco leaf, peaches, dark chocolate. 

Comments: 

A slightly unusual, yet delicious Ardbeg, this whisky has but gentle peat and smoke. There's salty notes of the sea, alongside the peat, but also plenty of fruit and dark chocolate. I felt this would have been better at a higher strength, but it was gorgeous even at 46%. I'll take the rep's advice and seek out more First Cask bottlings in the future, if there are any left.

Verdict:

I like this.