We all know the excellent Ardmore 1991-1993 that was released in recent years. Here’s a much older version, Ardmore 1977 bottled by Signatory Vintage in their dumpy bottles.
Ardmore 23 yo 1977
(58,1%, Signatory Vintage 2000, cask #1183, 306 btl.)
Ardmore 23 yo 1977Nose: nicely aromatic, even though it’s slightly harsh at first sight (high strength). Medium peat, lemon / lime, grasses and yellow flowers. Cod oil. Fennel. Chalk. All of the elements you’d find in recent bottlings but slightly more austere I’d say.
Mouth: even more peat now, with a powerful attack. Pepper and ginger. Lemon and apple. Coastal and slightly rough. Light floral notes and vanilla to round it off.
Finish: long, peaty, lemony with herbs in the very end.
Islay whisky that is not made on Islay. Well made but explicitly unsexy, especially without water. Not often seen in auctions, and rarely above € 120.
Score: 86/100