Ardbeg 25 Year Old Lord Of The Isles Limited Edition (2003) 70cl

A very rare specimen these days from before the Glenmorangie / LV take over

This limited-edition Ardbeg whisky has been slowly matured in oak barrels for 25 years and is non-chill-filtered to retain maximum flavour. The nose is floral and complex, showing creamy peat, exotic fruits, marzipan and spicy oak. On the palate, more peat, tropical fruits, spicy oak, herbs and candied orange peel.

Named for the title once held by the feudal rulers of the Hebrides, Lord of the Isles is a classic for many Islay whisky fans. After 25 years in oak, it shows a mature profile with pleasantly dirty peat smoke and notes of seaweed bringing contrast to fresher flavours of ripe apples, green almonds, preserved lemons and pine needles. This expression was bottled for the last time in 2007, making this a rare sight today. An Islay icon that’s genuinely worthy of its reputation.

Tasting Notes

Ardbeg 25 Year Old 'Lord of the Isles' (46%, OB, 2003) Yes, that's the one in the green coffin - by the way the new bottling for the Festival 2004 comes in a green coffin too... Tastes and colours... Anyway, imagine I never tasted this one before! Nose: very smoky but not especially ‘peaty’. Or let’s put it this way: only the ‘smoky’ component shine through. A little restrained. Lots of ripe apple. Heavy peat arises after a while, though, together with some grassy, farmy notes. Mouth: bold and rich with some tropical fruit and a load of peat and smoke. Very nice balance. This is pure Ardbeg, even if I think there are some (even) better versions around (OB Provenance, Douglas Laing OMC or Platinum etc.) The ‘LOTI’ just lacks a little complexity in my opinion, but has a very, very long finish.

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg distillery has been producing whisky since 1798. The distillery is owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, and produces a heavily peated Islay whisky. The distillery uses malted barley sourced from the maltings in Port Ellen.

The Ardbeg distillery was officially founded in 1815 by John McDougall. But Whisky was distilled there long before that. There are no documentations, as Ardbeg was an illegal business back in 1794. The distillery is now owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy), which also owns Glenmorangie distillery in the Highlands of Scotland. The current capacity is just over one million litres per annum and its water source is Loch Uigeadail, after which one of its famous releases is named.

46% ABV

70cl