A rare independent Ardbeg 1974, bottled in the mid-1990s for legendary Italian bottlers Sestante at 21 years of age.
Colour: gold. Nose: ah, this is much nicer than last time I tasted this one (from another bottle)! Starts very waxy and resinous (like an old Clynelish?) with whiffs of smoke. Beautiful notes of argan and olive oil, toasted bread, marzipan. Gets smokier with time (campfire) but not exactly peaty. Very nice, even if a little simple. Mouth: a bit of old bottle effect, with lots of wax and maybe something metallic. A bit thin at first sip but soon to grow rather bolder. I’ve had some very old blends that tasted similar. Herbal tea, marzipan, something papery and slightly lemony at the same time. Finish: long but getting rather bitter and drying (lemon seeds). In short, a different Ardbeg. Not a stunner but I do like it, Johannes ;-)!. 86 points.
Distillery | Ardbeg |
Classification | Single Malt Whisky |
# Released bottle | - |
Vintage | 1974 |
Age | - |
Bottler | Sestante |
Bottling Date | - |
ABV/ Volume | 40.0%/ 70cl |
Rating/SGP | 86/- |
Cask Number | - |
Type: Islay - Sestante