90

Score

Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition, 46%

Price: 87 Issue: Summer 2025 Reviewer: Jonny McCormick Category: Single Malt Scotch

Matured in bourbon barrels and cabernet sauvignon red wine casks, this is intensely peaty on first sniff, but it’s wonderfully aromatic peat fires, verging on bonfire smoke at times. Paired with this are aromas of plum, black olive tapenade, black truffle, and toasted sourdough. The palate mingles chocolate muffin, dried cranberry, spices, and peat smoke, with hints of menthol and eucalyptus stretching into the finish. (Travel Retail exclusive; Release date: 3/25) $87/liter