The second release in a limited series of luxury bottlings exploring ages, maturation casks, abv and volume, this 24 Year Old Ardbeg Vintage Y2K was laid down way back in the year 2000, in the frenzied celebrations of the new millennium. Talk about a serendipitous dram for a special occasion!
The liquid was matured in bourbon casks, with a portion finished in amontillado sherry casks to be finished - a first for Ardbeg!
Bottled at a custom abv of 47.8% you can expect a nose of deep, pungent spice mixed with beautiful notes of creamy toffee, flowering blackcurrants, creosote, coal tar soap, antique leather and almond nuts, with a splash of water, hints of charcoal, graphite and damp moss emerge, along with a distinct sooty note. The palate is reminiscent of those millennium celebratory fireworks, with a burst of deep intense,smoky flavours – coal tar mingles with woodsmoke, while antiseptic lozenges meet bonfire embers. The Amontillado sherry casks are present, albeit in the background, with subtle notes of toffee, leather, cinnamon and clove. The close brings long, lingering notes of menthol, eucalyptus, linseed oil and charcoal.