Shrine to Spirits

Ardbeg

A 17 year old Islay single malt. (More on single malt Scotch in a trio of single malt Scotch whiskies.) Hyped as the ultimate Islay malt, it delivers the goods. Is it the world's best whisky? Well, it has got to be counted among the best, at any rate. Expensive, but reasonably enough priced for a single malt of its quality.

What we said about it:

Ardbeg: 700 ml bottle box
A truly outstanding 17 year old single malt Scotch from the Isle of Islay. It has the smoky peat one expects from an Islay malt, but is not overpowered by it. Full-flavoured, but very well-balanced, with peat and malt and a touch of oak all complementing each other beautifully. So smooth and gentle, it just slides right down. If you don't like Islay malts, you probably won't like this too much, though, 'cause it is still very much an Islay malt at heart. Otherwise, if you're willing to brave the rather formidable price tag, give this candidate for the world's best whisky a go. Bottled at 40% alcohol. The distillery stopped production in 1981, and was reopened in '89. We'll have to wait a few more years before we see if the new Ardbeg has maintained the old quality.
T *****