Ardbeg 17 Year Old Committee Exclusive is a Limited Edition release from Ardbeg Distillery a meticulously crafted tribute to the original 17 Year Old that was one of the first bottles to leave the distillery after its 1997 reopening, with Dr. Bill Lumsden retracing the flavour profile note by note and choosing to bottle at 40% strength, just as it was back then, in a genuinely elegant and restrained Islay single malt.

Ardbeg was closed from 1981 until 1989, then bought by Glenmorangie plc (now LVMH) in 1997 and reopened as a working distillery. The original 17 Year Old was one of the earliest expressions from the reopened distillery a landmark release that introduced a new generation to Ardbegs character. Dr. Bill Lumsdens Committee Exclusive reproduction captures the originals distinctively elegant and restrained character fresh, clean, and with pine resin, aniseed, sea spray, and lavender rather than the assertive and heavy peat that defines the current Ardbeg range. At 40% ABV, faithful to the original bottling strength. Browse the full Scotch whisky collection at Wooden Cork.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fresh and clean with hints of pine resin, aniseed, sea spray, and lavender soap very gentle, restrained, and rather elegant for an Ardbeg
• Palate: A beautiful, creamy texture followed by a lovely combination of aniseed, toffee, caf latte, fennel, and gentile antiseptic soap
• Finish: The peat smoke present but in a very restrained manner, leading into a lingering aftertaste with chewy oak, cocoa powder, and tar

Specs

• Distillery: Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Islay (est. 1815; reopened 1997)
• Region: Islay, Scotland
• Age Statement: 17 Years
• Edition: Committee Exclusive tribute to the 1997 reopening original
• Distiller: Dr. Bill Lumsden
• ABV: 40%
• Size: 750ml

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Committee Exclusive 17 Year so different from the standard current Ardbeg range?

The original 1997 17 Year Old was produced from pre-closure spirit whisky made before the 1981 closure and matured in the interim. The restrained, elegant, and fresh character of pine resin, aniseed, and gentle lavender reflects a different production era and cask combination than the current bold and intensely peated Ardbeg style. Limited allocation. Order online.

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