Ardbeg 21 Year Old Committee Release 2016

Volume: 700ml / ABV: 46%

The Ardbeg 21 Year Old Committee Release 2016 is a single malt whisky from the Ardbeg distillery, located on the southeastern coast of the Hebridean island of Islay, Scotland. This whisky was distilled in the late 1990s and matured for 21 years in 200-litre ex-bourbon casks. It was released exclusively to members of the Ardbeg Committee in September 2016 and quickly sold out. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV and is non chill-filtered, ensuring a rich and authentic flavor profile. The distillery, known for its peaty and smoky whiskies, has a storied history, with significant periods of non-production in the mid-1980s and the majority of 1996 and 1997 until LVMH took over in 1997.

Tasting Note

Appearance

Golden yellow.

Nose

Initial aromas of honey, vanilla, candied lemon, seaweed, and tangy acrid peat smoke. Underlying hints of dried peach, mango, golden syrup, cocoa powder, and brine.

Palate

Soft and viscous texture with a late tangy sharpness reminiscent of lemon zest. Smoky profile with bittersweet peatiness that is acrid, salty, powerful, vegetal, mossy, and earthy. Sweetness from honey, golden syrup, white chocolate, and dried tropical fruits like pineapple, peach, mango, and lychee. Additional notes of sultana, white pepper, milk chocolate, and clove add depth and complexity.

Finish

Long and smoky, with increasing bitterness and acridness over time.
Pleasant chili-like warmth.
Fading sweet and dried tropical fruit notes enhance the lingering smokiness.

Overall Impression

The Ardbeg 21 Year Old is considered a sublime whisky, showcasing a well-evolved peat smoke that has become classy and sophisticated. The sympathetic casking has produced an exquisite single malt, making it one of the best limited edition releases from Ardbeg in recent times.

This whisky is a testament to Ardbeg's enduring spirit and the dedication of its Committee members, who have played a crucial role in the distillery's history and success