Ardbeg Lord of the Isles

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 50 by Martine Nouet and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose Very nutty. Almond. Resiny. Oak is not assertive but, combined with peat phenols, brings out balsamic aromas. Eucalyptus. Very fragrant. Tarred timber. Palate Sweet, unctuous. Barley sugar. Toasted oatmeal. Tar losanges. Peat merges in the back. Finish Dry, spicy, smoked salty almonds. Comment The less phenolic of all the Ardbeg tasted in this session. Merging with oak, phenols have developed an enticing and original bouquet.

Dave Broom Nose Mature, complex with balsamic notes. Rosemary thrown on a barbecue, marmalade, dried leather, apple skin. A hint of smoke given by moor burn, moss-covered wall. Finesse. Palate Layered smoke with complex mix of dried fruits and peels. Sweet, dry with a peatiness most expressive on the finish. Finish Perfumed. Kipper? Fading. Comment Peat is a supporting element. A reflective dram, looking back at its gallus youth.