It is time to review another special Ardbeg Release. This time a very popular, a little expensive (aren't they all these days) expression, the mythical 17 year old. This one was released in 1997, so the liquid inside was distilled at least in 1980, and the first "rarity" you can find here is that this distillery bottling is 40%abv, which is not typical for Ardbeg that is used to bottle their expressions at 46%abv, non chill-filthered. Gold color. On the nose, super different from other Ardbegs. Cotton candy, mint, flowers, heather, incense, aromatic peat and moss. After a couple of sips, it gave me a floral perfume with very tiny hints of chocolate. Hazelnut.ore sips gave me hand soap. Lovely aroma. On the palate, it is not too complex and i would never guess it is an Ardbeg in a blind tasting. Sugary water, salty water as well. Vanilla. That was it on the first sip. More sips gave me condensed milk and more sugary notes. It lost some intensity. Aftertaste was very good. Classic smoke, bbq sauce, bacon. Very long finish, very rewarding. Herbal. Grilled pork, salty. Overall, this was a very good single malt, that is very different for what i expected. I can't called it unbalanced, because the nose is fantastic, the palate is above average and the finish is great, but still feels like this is not the best Ardbeg out there. It really lost some points on the palate, and that affected the overall balance and the final score. Don't get me wrong, i would drink it any day, it is a great whisky, but i would never pay the 780 dollars that is nowaday's average price for it. My score is a well deserved 90 points over 100.
About this bottle
An ancient distillery, Ardbeg was founded in 1794, passing through various hands until being mothballed in 1976 by Canadian distiller Hiram Walker & Sons in 1976, and then again by Allied Lyons in 1987. The distillery sat quiet for 10 years after that, slowly gathering dust before being bought by Glenmorangie Plc in 1997, which was later acquired by LVMH. Discontinued in 2004, this 17 Year bottling is a rare find on retail shelves; your best bet is through auction houses or fine bar establishments.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 12 parsed reviews.
As a wise man once said, "If perfection on the palate exists, this is it." It is hard to find something else to say. This complex and delicate dram will blow you away with its boldness and finesse. Strong peaty nose turns somersaults of salt, caramel, and that hint of tar before the long glorious ride into the sunset. I literally shed a tear with the knowledge that I may never see another bottle. If you finds one, cherish it.
Nose = fruit and complex. Palate & finish = fruity, savory, smooth, & mild spice. Very drinkable and not much peat for an Ardbeg. This is an elegant and classic whisky that will ALWAYS satisfy your whisky taste buds no matter what time of day :)
Really a shock to the system! Delicate and refined - quiet peat that allows the sweetness of the grain to shine through. Vanilla on the nose and palate, progressing into dark fruits. The finish concludes with melon and ripened fruit.
First time, in 2003, tasted at a party,best Scotch ever , Amazing taste and smokiness Smoke on the palate, and long full smoky finish. However, when I bought a bottle was Not quite as amazing… price Also from 2003
Love this scotch. I'm not an expert by any means but this scotch stimulates my brains pleasure center. Hard to find but will buy several bottles if I stumble into it again. Price from 2005
6 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
