Matured in 1st fill and refill ex-bourbon casks, Ardbeg Fermutation is described as having aromas of "mixed herbs, cedar wood, smoked orange, grapefruit, and lots of menthol and peppermint." Adding water brings forth aromas of "diesel oil, tar, fresh paint, aniseed, freshly cut hay, and a hint of something savory, like yeast extract or bread dough." On the palate, it has a "lively, vibrant, sharp, 'zingy' texture, leading into very firm, distinctive flavors - malty/biscuit tones, powerful aniseed, cardamom, antiseptic lozenge, sweet mint toffee, and cigar ash." It concludes with a "lingering, salty, firm aftertaste of mint, tar, oak tannin and leather" on the finish.