Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1991 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single refill hosghead bottled April 2012 by Douglas Liang & Co. for the Old & Rare Platinum Selection. 115 bottles.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg Distillery was established in Ardbeg on the Kildalton Peninsular on the Isle of Islay in 1815 by John McDougal. Ardbeg Distillery draws soft peaty water from Loch Uigeadail and Loch Airigh nam Beist up amongst the hills behind the distillery. Ardbeg Distillery is a participant in the world famous Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Visitors are welcome at the distillery visitor center which offers Ardbeg Distillery tours and serves delicious Scottish fare in the Ardbeg Café. 

On the nose detect creosote, ash, soot and beachy rock pools. Tar is apparent early on the palate – all very Islay in character – then a sweet maltiness, more creosote with typical soft chewed leather all developing. The finish is fudge-y sweet, still with that earlier gristiness plus tar (again!) and a damp bonfire ashiness.