[40%・22 Years Old・Distilled in 1978・Bottled in 2000・Gordon & MacPhail Bottling・Limited Release]
Nose:
Chocolate mousse with a hint of cream powder, faint splashes of cherry preserve and apple juice with this curious hint of burnt toast. Some freshly plucked oyster and herbs with more fragrant fruity aromas.
Palate & Finish:
Light fruits with a brush of creamy undertone. Some nibs of roasted peanuts as well. The wood glides really well with the diluted presence of raisin and dried orange notes, mild white fruits with just traces of peat coming on at first but eventually it fills the scene.
The warming peat smoke continues to stick to the teeth, hint of menthol as the wee creaminess strides on.
Thoughts:
This Ardbeg fares a tad soft even for this vintage. I think I prefer other 1978 bottlings but of course in saying that this is still very much a delight, and is technically structured and refined..
✓ [Recommended if you like the style/ distillery]
-Nicholas
WhiskNick 