Ardbeg Auriverdes

This Ardbeg special edition is a celebration of the 2014 World Cup with a new, softer, more supple version of its peaty goodness. Inspired by the Brazilian flag (Auri - gold, Verde - green), there's nothing weird or new going on with this whisky, just impeccable execution. It's also a whisky of green peat and golden oak with big, bold smoke and a soft mocha finish. The 49.9% proof intensifies the spice, but the vanilla wins in the end. More important than any of the marketing, however, is the quality. This is the best new Ardbeg in years -- period.