Ever since the Ardbeg 17 Years Old was discontinued in 2004, fans of the renowned Islay distillery have longed for its return. Their wish will soon be granted: A new edition of Ardbeg 17 Years Old will be released on 24 September 2024 in the UK. This long-awaited revival is available only to Ardbeg Committee members, who will have to log in to the exclusive Committee area to secure a bottle. The price has yet to be disclosed.
Challenges in Recreating Ardbeg 17 Years Old
The original Ardbeg 17 Years Old was first launched in 1997 when the distillery reopened, and recreating this edition posed significant challenges for Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and her team. They had to meticulously balance peated and unpeated stocks to capture the whisky’s signature flavor. Additionally, unlike today’s bottlings, the original was bottled at 40% ABV and was chill-filtered, making the process even more complex.
Macdonald is proud to announce the success of this re-release, emphasizing that it retains the classic flavors of pine resin and sea spray, complemented by malted barley and subtle smoky tones. This edition honors Ardbeg’s legacy, offering both old and new whisky enthusiasts a chance to experience this legendary whisky.
Tasting Notes for Ardbeg 17 Years Old
- Color: Bronze
- Nose: Fresh, clean, and soothing with notes of pine resin, aniseed, sea spray, and a delicate touch of lavender soap. Subtle minerality emerges with water, alongside sweet peat smoke, barley malt, and hints of toast.
- Palate: Creamy texture with flavors of aniseed toffee, café latte, fennel, and a mild antiseptic soap. The peat smoke is present but restrained.
- Finish: Long, lingering with pithy oak, cocoa powder, and tar.
Bottled at 40% ABV and chill-filtered, this limited edition is sure to stir nostalgia among Ardbeg lovers while offering a refined experience for a new generation.
