Whisky Review/Tasting: Ardbeg 21 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ardbeg Distillery, Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured for 21 years, primarily in ex-bourbon casks.
Age Statement: 21 years.
Color: Light golden, uncolored, and typically unfiltered.
Bottle Design: The bottle maintains the typical Ardbeg design, which is not described in detail but is known for its distinctive and traditional appearance.

General Flavor: Less smoky compared to younger Ardbeg expressions, with a complex balance of sweetness, herbal notes, and a distinctive smokiness.
Nose: Tar, smoke, a hint of sweetness reminiscent of "Ardbeg ice cream," black pepper, and herbal notes.
Taste: Peppery prickling, licorice, charcoal, peppermint, vanilla, spices, and a long aftertaste of coal tar.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its less intense smokiness due to age, with a smoke level around 35 to 40 ppm. The flavor profile includes aniseed and smoky butter, a term attributed to Dr. Bill, the head of whiskey making at Ardbeg and Glenmorangie.

Distillery Manager: The upcoming 10th anniversary of Mickey Heads, the distillery manager, is mentioned, highlighting his significance to the distillery.
Limited Release: This 21-year-old expression is a committee release, indicating its rarity and the high demand among enthusiasts.

Islay Whisky: Ardbeg is renowned for its peated whiskies, a characteristic feature of Islay malts. The distillery's location on Islay contributes to its unique flavor profile, with the local peat playing a significant role.

"Wonderful bottles... it's not that smoky as the other Ardbegs are because it's older... a lot older." - Horst Luening, highlighting the unique, less smoky character due to its age.
"A wonderful piece of work from Ardbeg... showing a lot of facets of Ardbeg and in the back there's always this sweet nose." - Praise for the complexity and balance of the whisky.

Ardbeg 21 years is a rare, committee release single malt Scotch whisky from Islay, matured in ex-bourbon casks.
It features a less intense smokiness compared to younger Ardbeg expressions, with a complex flavor profile that includes sweetness, herbal notes, and a distinctive smokiness.
The whisky is celebrated for its rarity, complexity, and the unique balance of flavors, making it a sought-after bottle among enthusiasts.
Cultural significance stems from its Islay origins, contributing to its peated character and unique flavor profile.

Peated Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the smoky, peated character of Islay whiskies but are looking for something with a more complex and less intense smokiness.
Collectors and Connoisseurs: Given its rarity and unique flavor profile, this whisky is ideal for collectors seeking limited releases or connoisseurs looking to explore the nuances of aged Islay malts.
Special Occasion Sippers: Individuals seeking a distinguished and rare whisky for special occasions or celebrations may find the Ardbeg 21 years to be a perfect choice.