A very hard-to-find expression and one of the few Ardbegs that carry an age statement. The first bottling of the 17 year old in 1997 marked the revival of Ardbeg's legacy, after then new owners Glenmorangie took ownership of the distillery and resumed production. Sadly the 17yo didn't last long and was discontinued a few years later. Bottled at 46%. (Bottle size 750ml)
Nose: Gentle peat, yet deep and confident - a heady mixture of malt and vanilla. Vaguely salty and very complex with oak, a faint hint of tangy orange and an enticing sweetness.
Palate: There is a much greater presence of peat now than the nose suggested. That said, the middle shows an excellent chewy malt alongside a touch of cocoa.
Finish: Peat returns and guarantees an enormously long finale. Malt clings with liquorice and dry toast.
