All of Ardbeg's uncompromising directness with extra complexity.
Dave Broom
Ardbeg
Brand
Lord of the Isles, 25 Years Old
Expression
Single Malt
Type
25
Age (Years)
46%
ABV
Islay
Region/Country
Standard (Distillery or blended)
Bottling Type
Taster
Nose: Phenolic: sooty smoke, beach bonfire, creosote, ozone, brine but with some sweet, biscuity malt. Complex.
Palate: Quite dry, but enough oiliness and sweet fruit to balance the sootiness. Good balance.
Finish: Long, firm.
Comment: All of Ardbeg's uncompromising directness with extra complexity.
Score: 8.5
Taster
Nose: Fragrant. Sea air. Distant smoke.
Palate: More fruitiness than any other Ardbeg. Candied orange peel and cherries. Walnuts, almonds. Marzipan. Bittersweet. Spicy. The roundness of flavours masks the peat.
Finish: Long, haughty. Steely.
Comment: Becomes more complex with age. I admire its style, but hanker for the bravado of the younger Ardbegs.
Score: 8.5
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