Ardbeg Corryvreckan Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl

Ardbeg distillery has stood on Islay's rugged south coast since 1815, long regarded by whisky lovers as producing the peatiest, smokiest malts in Scotland. Corryvreckan takes its name from the ferocious tidal whirlpool between Islay and Jura — Scotland's largest — and the whisky lives up to that reputation: a vatting of ex-bourbon and new French oak casks bottled at natural cask strength, with no chill-filtration, built for drinkers who want Ardbeg's signature intensity turned up.

On the nose, expect a collision of waxy dark chocolate, blackcurrant and muscovado sugar alongside pine, with a splash of water revealing brine, crisp seaweed and smoky bacon. The palate is dense and peppery — peppered steak, espresso, dark fruits and star anise — leading into a long, powerful finish of tarry black coffee, cherry-dipped chocolate and hot pepper sauce.

Best served neat or with a splash of water to open up the maritime and fruit notes; it also stands up well in a peaty Old Fashioned.