Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Bottler: Distiller
ABV: 51.4%
Score: 92 points
This release honors longtime Ardbeg Distillery manager Mickey Heads, who retired in late 2020. It is the first Ardbeg expression to be matured exclusively in ex-Rye whiskey casks, and was available primarily to Ardbeg Committee members with some bottles available at U.S. retailers.
The nose has a hint of rye bagels, cooked bananas, a touch of peat smoke, and dried fruits. The peatiness comes alive on the palate with a nice smokiness balanced by baking spices, a hint of caramel candy, grilled fruits, and a touch of anise. The finish is long with a soft smokiness. (February, 2021)
