Ardbeg 1974 SV Dumpy bottle

CategorySINGLE MALT
DistilleryArdbeg
BottlerSignatory Vintage (SV)
Bottling Series-
Vintage1974
Bottled Year1997
Age23년
Cask Type-
Cask Number-
Bottles Released-
ABV51.2%
Volume700 ml
Label-
CountryScotland
RegionIslay
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Flavor Profile

Smoky
Peaty
Oaky
Vanilla
Maritime
Sweet
Honey
Fruity
Creamy
Dried Fruit
Floral
Spicy
Nutty
Citrus
Herbal
Chocolate

Tasting Notes

Colour

gold

air Nose

it’s not one of the most wham-bam old Ardbegs but everything’s there, only a little muted. Almond oil, soot, seashells (clams), tar, smoke, coal, liquorice, lemon marmalade, kippers, flints, humus, earth, roots, old papers… Even touches of very fresh garlic (I insist, very fresh garlic – it’s not garlicky at all!) Again, everything’s in place but the whole is a little shy. Maybe water will make it more ‘talkative’? With water: oh no, that didn’t work too well. It became a little stale and cardboardy. Nice whiffs of fresh oysters, though… And some grapefruit too

restaurant Palate

I’m afraid it’s not quite up there with the 1976 by the Old Tobacco House, although it’s great - of course. There are wee hints of soap and plastic for a start (which can sometimes happen in my experience) and then a very briny avalanche that spoils it a bit in my opinion. Salt in whisky is great, but a salty whisky can be too much. In short, this one is a little too raw and brutal and lacks ‘fondu’ (never found an English term for that – blendiness? Meltedness? Moltenness?) but water should help. Also something a little too ‘chemical’ (cheapo lemon soda). With water: better but not very complex

timer Finish

medium long, slightly bitter

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