Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Batch 5

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

Matured in a slightly higher proportion of Oloroso Sherry casks, Batch #5 of Traigh Bhan is part of a collectable Ardbeg series that, like the bottles before it, is inspired by Islay’s Traigh Bhan beach (pronounced tri-van). The whisky lands at 46.2% and comes non chill filtered. Expect keynotes of sweet mango, maple bacon and soot.

Other reviews... Plenty of peat up front, along with whiffs of vanilla, citrus, and tobacco before the maritime notes kick in—dried seaweed, sea salt, and brine. Vanilla and lemon tart on the palate, with light soapiness. It’s delicate, sweet, creamy, and dessert-like. The finish is flavorful with Creamsicle and more vanilla, and the peat reappears. Very balanced overall—not a peat bomb—with subtle sweetness and depth, and peat in a strong but supporting role. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...I thought batch 3 was very good (WF 90) but I've never tried the others. You can't try everything, can you. Colour: white wine. Nose: crushed kippers in a blend of seawater, bone-dry white wine and cider vinegar, boosted with some tincture of iodine and a few bits of bandages. Someone's added bits of tyres and drops of antirust paint later on. There's also a little damp garden peat, potting soil and just rainwater over tarmac. As Ardbeggian as it gets, I would say, while the oloroso part remained pretty discreet. A few touches of fresh walnut skins. Mouth: pure zesty and tarry Ardbegness, a little fruitier on the palate (grapefruits, maracuja), with some cigar ashes (or the feeling of having smoked a pack of Craven 'A' just last night), while it would then become a little quieter, almost 'smoother'. It's not nosediving, not at all, but it is losing a little steam. Finish: the simplest part. Lemon zests, some saltiness and smoked herbs. Ashes again in the aftertaste. Comments: splendid, as expected, even if the show was a tad short, not unlike Madonna's. Well… Nah, loved it. 89 points - whiskyfun.com