Ardbeg Distillery
ABV 57.3%
The nose is enticing but the palate does not follow.
Martine Nouet
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Brand
33.70 – Keith Richards meets Socrates, 1998, 10 Years Old
Expression
Single Malt
Type
10
Age (Years)
57.3%
ABV
Islay
Region/Country
Independent Bottling
Bottling Type
Taster
Nose: Smoky. Bonfire on a wet day. A hint of smoked sausage. The smoky notes develop together with a floral scent. Hyacinth. A mineral touch. Wet pebbles. Then opening on a nutty note. With water,a sour touch.
Palate: Smooth at first but not for long. A big spicy explosion. Dry soot. Chewy feel. Water brings in fresh mint and liquorice but also some astringency.
Finish: Dry, smoky.
Comment: The nose is enticing but the palate does not follow.
Score: 7
Taster
Nose: Dry but fragrant smoke with touch of pot pourri. Citrus peels thrown on a bonfire. Hot embers,smoked fish and chocolate. Water increases complexity with brimstone and elastoplast.
Palate: Immediate embers/coal dust. A burst of sweetness,then it dries,though it flows well revealing a slight oiliness in time along with pepper.
Finish: Clean and peaty.
Comment: An effusively phenolic smouldering hulk. Recommended.
Score: 8.7
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