Ardbeg Twenty Something 22 Year Old Embassy Release

Ardbeg Twenty Something 22 Year Old

• Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Distillery Bottling

70cl / 46.4%

Firstly, A third delicious instalment in Ardbeg’s Twenty Something series, this 22-year-old is an excellent example of Ardbeg’s rich, smoky character while simultaneously showcasing the distillery’s remarkable talent for producing light, fresh flavours. Matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks, Ardbeg’s characteristically thick, tarry bassline mingles with vibrant tropical fruit notes, seamlessly integrated spices and a fresh menthol aroma which melds with peat smoke in the long, breezy finish. At once weighty and playful, this whisky  distilled in 1996 during the distillery’s darkest time  is crafted as testament to the quality and tenacity of Ardbeg spirit. And boy is it tasty.

Further, There is a new ‘Twenty Something’ thing out apparently, but sadly I don’t have a sample to hand.

Colour: gold. Nose: A saline style of peat to begin, tarry, pretty typical 1990s, pre-Glenmorangie style Ardbeg, creosote-dominated and pretty oily. Lots of peat embers, slightly briny, black pepper, green olives, notes of pitch and salted fish. In time it moves more towards coastal freshness and stony minerals with a touch of lemon oil and cough syrup. Ardbeg Twenty Something 22 Year Old Embassy Release

Also, Gets more medicinal as well, iodine and TCP. Very good. Mouth: Lots of oiliness, linseed oil, cod liver oil, hessian, pretty salty, a resinous and grippy salinity. Olive oil, brine, anchovies, sardines, fresh chopped herbs, more black pepper and medicine. Mercurochrome and antiseptic with bonfire ash and dried seaweed. Finish: good length, bright, coastal and fresh, the saltiness lifts everything and keeps it all alive with tar and gentian notes in the aftertaste. Comments: Further, Really excellent 1990s Ardbeg. Although, there’s a certain melancholy about trying an older, official 1990s Ardbeg such as this in this day and age of domination by very silly NAS bottlings.