Another oldie, if you don’t mind. It’s an 18 year old Ardbeg 1991 in Douglas Laing‘s Old Malt Cask series. Now chances are low that it will still arrive to your glass, but anyway, there aren’t too many review of this whisky.
Ardbeg 18 yo 1991 (50%, Douglas Laing ‘Old Malt Cask’ 2009, refill hogshead, ref. 5120, 357 btl.)
Nose: classic aromas and great intensity. A lot of iodine and antiseptics, warm coal smoke, shellfish and beach bonfires. Also eucalyptus, carbon paper and plenty of sea spray. Moderate hints of almonds or marzipan, with chalk and a little oil paint. Very light berry notes (even a hint of marshmallow?) and nice citrus notes.
Mouth: ah yes. Totally maritime, on kelp, brine and tarry ropes. Then also ink, sardines, some olives and smoked almonds. Hints of oysters and walnuts. Smoked lemons or apples and black peppercorns. In the background there’s also a nice savoury, toasted note.
Finish: very long, very ashy, with white pepper and a slightly sweet edge.
Just a really good Ardbeg, even reminding me of the late 1970s a little. It satisfies the peathead but it’s also very balanced. Better than how I remember the early 1990s from this distillery, right? Anyway, this is auction material. Cheers, Karel.