The first release of Ardbeg's 25-Year-Old single malt whisky, their newest addition to the core-range, albeit in a very limited, annual small batch capacity.
Comprised of casks that were lay-down in the mid 1990s, during Ardbeg's "quiet period". Ardbeg was mothballed in 1981 and reopened in 1989 by new owners, Allied Distillers. However, between this time and 1996 (when it was mothballed yet again), the stills were run for just 2 months of the year; predominantly by Laphroaig staff in their down-time. Ardbeg from this era is therefore seldom seen, making this 25-year-old rare indeed. Bottled at 46% abv.
From Dr. Bill Lumsden:
“After a quarter of a century in the cask, you’d be forgiven for imagining that Ardbeg 25 Years Old would have lost some of the hallmark smoky punch. I can assure you it hasn’t.... And yet there’s also a remarkable complexity and elegance to this whisky that I find utterly captivating. It’s unmistakably Ardbeg, but unlike any Ardbeg you’ve tasted before.”
Official Tasting Notes:
Nose: A pungent burst of smoked cream, peppermint and toffee, with Ardbeg’s classic fennel and pine resin. Distant earthy bonfires mix with herbal and fruity (banana and tropical) notes, along with fragrant candle wax.
Palate: An extremely vibrant, hot peppery mouthfeel leads into a burst of sherbet lemon sweetness (candied apples, pears and orange), hints of carbolic soap and tar, more creamy toffee, aniseed and chilli pepper.
Finish: A long, mellow, lingering aftertaste, with lots of cream, fudge and delicate antiseptic notes. An elegant, soothing style of Ardbeg.
*Please note that only 1 bottle is available; which was sourced from a well-vetted private collection.
- Group:
- Whisky
- Type:
- Whisky
- Style:
- Single Malt
- Country:
- Scotland
- Region:
- Islay
- Producer:
- Ardbeg
- Size:
- 700ml
- ABV:
- 46%
- Age:
- 25