NV Ardbeg 17yo (40%)
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Tasting notes
The exemplary 17 year old, discontinued in 2004 and revived as last year’s Ardbeg Day special release, returns. A blast of balanced and beautiful peat on the nose, with lemon tea and charcoal. The spiced palate also offers raisins, brown sugar, and dark berries. There’s lots of punch and flavor considering the low ABV. Great length on a finish of vanilla, peach, and red berries, with the fruit and sweetness in command. (Release date: 9/24)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jim Murray, Whisky Bible
Whisky Advocate
More reviews and scores
The peat has all but vanished and cannot really be compared to the original 17-year-old: it's a bit like tasting a Macallan without the sherry: fascinating to see the naked body underneath, and certainly more of a turn on. Peat or no peat, great whisky by any standards. 40%.
About the producer
Ardbeg is one of the most recognisable peated whiskies today. The distillery was instrumental in kickstarting the Islay revival when it reopened in the late 1990s.