Ardbeg 25 Year

Purchased for $849.99, which I figured would be a first. It's been a while since I've written here; I've been doing many reviews with a friend on Top Shelf Whisky, but this warrants a proper, slow, written review. Nose: Initially, it seemed quite closed off, likely due to it being a neck pour. There were significant earthy, almost clay-like and waxy notes. The expected citrusy lemon-lime flavor was absent. As it opened up, some lemon emerged, but not prominently. However, upon deep inhalation, the whisky transformed. Lemon pie and custard appeared – a delightful blend of pleasant sweetness balanced almost perfectly with tart citrus fruits (predominantly lemon). The overall profile is medicinal, with peat present but never overwhelming, though it never fully recedes. There's a faint coal smoke, with a slightly bitter finish. I suspect Ardbeg's 25-year, likely matured in all bourbon casks and bottled at 46%, would smell exactly as we anticipated. Perhaps this is a letdown because we sought a surprise, but this is precisely how a 25-year Ardbeg at 46% would smell. The intensity feels slightly below my expectations. Oh, with a bit of swirling, key lime pie suddenly appears – a fantastic new note. Adding a tiny bit of water enhances the citrus notes. Taste: The most striking element is the intense oak. Sweet, smoky oak dominates the flavors as I swish it around. Following that, medicinal smoke fills the mouth, accompanied by menthol. It eventually settles into a pleasing seasoned bourbon oak cask sweetness with an oaky finish lingering on the palate. Water had minimal impact. Now, to fully grasp what this whisky is and how to score it. Perhaps some final thoughts? Or better yet, a comparison to the 22-year? The 22's nose is more robust, pronounced, potent, fruitier, and slightly less oaked. The 22 offers much more lemon and bitterness. The 25 is smoother, sweeter, with more vanilla and oak; its finish is more reminiscent of French oak with malt ball chocolate notes. I anticipate the 25 will develop into a masterful whisky. Much like I found the 22 a bit soft and light initially, I expect this 25 will truly open up with time and air. For now, and for this pour, it's a 4.0. I just read the bottle's description; wow, I essentially used many of Ardbeg's notes. Pouring a second glass to contemplate this, as it's my first time trying it. You know that soapy note they mentioned? Yes, smoke and char around some soap – it's there. For me, it's a bit too oaked and bitter with that soapy element for my preference. But that creamy initial impression is wonderful. This whisky really needed to be at least 48% ABV; it's just too thin. The arrival desperately needed more, especially with such a soft, creamy flavor upfront. However, the finish is substantial, bold, and leaves a pleasant smokiness. I suspect if I were to rate it out of 100 for the channel, I'd be deciding between an 89 and a 90. The finish itself is a 91. The flavor, despite its flaws, is a 90. The nose is a 90-91. The mouthfeel is an 87, which might be generous. It's not nearly as oily as the 22, but I remember the 22 being thin for almost a year and it has since improved. For now, I'll settle on an 89 and will update with time. Price? $350 for the whisky $200 for the packaging (I genuinely like the box enough to think that figure is justified) $300 for the idiot tater tax? I fully expected the 25 to be priced like a $450 whisky, so that extra tax was more than I anticipated paying.

A bottle of Ardbeg aged for at least twenty-five years is a rare find when discussing aged whiskies. I'd been seeking a glass of this new 25-year-old expression since its introduction, but it was unobtainable until I visited a fantastic bar in Edinburgh. There, among other remarkable discoveries, it was available for patrons to sample without buying a whole bottle. Bottled at 46% ABV, it stands as the oldest stated age for an Ardbeg currently. The only previous 25-year-old release was the legendary "Lord of the Isles," a whisky I've searched for but never encountered. On the nose, it required considerable time to fully develop. Notes of cardamom, red chilli, and Ardbeg's signature peat emerged. It also presented acidic prunes, the scent of new socks, and floral elements. An orange aroma, quite uncommon for an Ardbeg, was present. It reminded me of wet Converse shoes – somewhat muted, not entirely clean, and lacking a certain emotional resonance. On the palate, it began with vanilla and a flavor I'd describe as muddy water. Acidic prunes, earthy, and herbal notes followed. Spices and smoke appeared on the second sip, along with salt. Grassy and herbal notes were also detected. The finish was rather direct, yet satisfying. It offered a classic aroma reminiscent of a new can of tennis balls, with red chilli and salt. Overall, I felt a bit let down by this one. It's certainly not a bad whisky, but for its price, one anticipates complexity and layered aromas and flavors, which aren't present here. This expression seems to have lost the smoky character and potency typical of this distillery, a trend I've observed in older Ardbegs, and this one is no exception. I genuinely think younger versions are superior. My rating is a sincere 89 out of 100.

The aroma is sweet cereal grains, like Special K, Frosted Flakes, or any artificial sweetener, with some strawberry appearing after a bit. No peat smoke on the nose. The taste is sweet and fruity, featuring raspberry preserves on dry toast. Strawberries and fig evolve into dark chocolate-covered cherries that persist for minutes, leading to a clean, subtly astringent finish. A truly pleasant spirit; I'd gladly own a bottle, assuming I didn't have to purchase it.

Refined smoky salinity, pairs wonderfully with oysters. Nose: Sweet honey, medicinal iodine, oceanic shells, cured cod, tropical papayas, ripe peaches, tart cherries, smoky barbecue ribs, zesty oranges, nutty almonds, sugary fruit punch Palate: Pervasive smoke, juicy peaches, sweet vanilla, tart grapefruits, tropical mangoes, sweet pineapples, bright cherries, rich almonds, burnt coal, acrid tar Finish: Creamy vanilla, rich dark chocolate, burnt coal, savory salted cod, briny sea water, sweet salted caramel, briny oysters

Significantly superior to Ardbeg 19. What an astonishingly rich and smooth flavor, alongside intense peat. Much more peaty than anticipated for a quarter-century old spirit. A remarkable dram that's exceptionally smooth when sipped.

Fruit from the orchard and greenery on the nose. Faint smoke. Silky and smooth on the tongue. Not strong but nice. Gentle peat in the aftertaste. Definitely good, but probably not worth the cost for many.