A joy from the first sip to the long and lingering last.
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 rugged, windswept spirit of Islay.In Ardbeg Dolce, olive groves meet misty coves, Sicilian film reels meet Islay lobster creels, and sweet Marsala heat meets smoky Ardbeg peat – a sensory masterpiece.
Fragrant aromas of apricot, plump raisins and orange marmalade steal the scene. Notes of zesty lemon rind and roasted nuts dance alongside dried herbs, smouldering applewood, and chewy peat oils. Bravo! Bravo!Non-chill filtered at 47.8%.
Nose
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.
Palate
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.
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