Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 23 Year

Did you ever receive those amazing Ardbeg emails showcasing a stunning, unaffordable new release destined only for your whisky fantasies? A while back, I got one for a very exciting bottling: The Ardbeg Vintage Y2K, a 23-year-old expression termed "ultra rare," containing spirit distilled in 2000. It was initially aged in former bourbon casks before being moved to sherry oak barrels. Bottled at 46% ABV. The aroma was intensely spicy. Pure hot chili peppers. The signature Ardbeg moss, piercing the senses. Cotton socks, gooseberries. It possessed a sweet, citrusy note resembling oranges. Cotton and a faint sherry influence. On the palate, it began somewhat thin. Sugary. The moss and salt were present. The spices were subdued. Tamed chili. Quite sugary. The finish was disappointingly brief. Chili, salt. Very gentle peat. Overall, I was extremely let down. A very restrained Ardbeg, fetching a hefty price. I was fortunate to sample some from the distillery during Feis Ile, but this one is a definite skip. Ardbeg's system has undeniably experienced a Y2K glitch. My rating for it is a shocking 81 out of 100.