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----- THE CONTENT ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN REPRODUCED FROM A 2000 WAYBACK MACHINE ARCHIVE. ----- ----- TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL ARDBEG WEBSITE, JUST GO TO WWW.ARDBEG.COM. ----- |
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Ardbeg 1977 "A vintage of exceptional balance and depth" Here at Ardbeg we're delighted to announce the launch of our second Vintage, 1977, which will be widely available from the end of June 2001. Non chill-filtered for greater flavour, it is an absolute delight. And with so many very special characteristics, we rank it close to Provenance. Due to the limited stocks of Ardbeg, it's likely to be the last Vintage we declare for at least ten years. At present, because
of technical difficulties, it is not possible to purchase this from our
website. However, you're welcome to call us at The Distillery on +44 (0)
1496 302244 or fax us on +44 (0) 1496 302040 to place your order, if you
cannot find it in the shops.
Colour - Rich Gold Aroma - Exceptional balance and depth. At full strength, the aroma is a beguiling mix of toffee and chocolate sweetness, cinnamon spice and medicinal phenols. Fresh citrus and floral notes of white wine are evident, as are melon, pear drops and a gentle creaminess. There is also a phenolic aroma of seaspray (iodine) and smoked fish. Hickory and coffee emerge later as the most volatile top notes fade. With water, the depth of the peat opens up, at once revealing layers of phenols with gristy peat and leather followed by medicinal phenols (carbolic soap) and a whiff of wood smoke. However, the sweetness of vanilla and the fragrance of citrus fruits are never far behind, maintaining the balance and intrigue. Nose - An enormous whisky, embodying the perfect balance of sweetness, fruit and deep smoky aromas. This vintage is a truly sensational example of Ardbeg matured in quality American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Toffee and fudge sweetness emerges first with peat encased in milk chocolate. Mandarin fruit is discovered through the chocolate with a sprinkling of cocoa powder. The oak is gentle and scented, both balsamic and spicy revealing eucalyptus oil and cinnamon. With water, dessert sweetness is uncovered with lemon curd and bitter almonds followed by vanilla. The deep smokiness of Ardbeg emerges with the hallmark aromas of tarry rope and cigar smoke, yet it is soft and scented with woodsmoke, burning incense sticks and cappuccino coffee. Taste - Sensationally smooth and peaty, a mouthful of soft and chewing peat smoke rapidly takes centre stage. The mouthfeel is at once silky, velvety and chewing. The flavours are sweet and scented with milk chocolate, mandarins and parma violets. Peat is present throughout the taste, constantly filling the palate with cocoa and scented smoke from beginning to end. Finish -The taste refuses to go away. The finish is very long and scented with woodsmoke, mandarins and cocoa.
Chill-filtering is a process widely used in the malt whisky industry to remove particles from the whisky which can occasionally appear. The materials removed are in no way harmful and are entirely natural. Chill-filtering makes the appearance of malt whisky more stable, however, a certain amount of flavour may be removed during this process. A malt whisky which has not been chill-filtered retains maximum flavour and is the purest way to enjoy whisky, apart from sampling it straight from the cask. Stuart Thomson
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