Ardbeg Very Young (D.1997, B.2003) Committee Reserve / 58.9% / 0.7l

The Ardbeg Committee commenced its operations on the “first day of the first month in the year two thousand” and according to its constitution “is concerned with the general promotion of the Ardbeg Distillery and Whisky”.

Membership of the committee is free, and one of the benefits is access to special, so-called committee editions of Ardbeg single malt. In 1997, Glenmorangie plc took over the ruined Ardbeg Distillery for £7 million and, after a major renovation and excellent management, raised it to cult status. The version of Very Young “For Discussion” presented here was distilled in 1997 and intended for the committee members to assess in 2003. Only 4,002 bottles were released for sale, and their value has increased several times over the years. How many remain in the hands of collectors – we ourselves would like to know.

Nose: slightly alcoholic, lots of smoke, sea salt, iodine, barley malt, lemons, vanilla and a trace of charred oak.

Palate: peat smoke, burnt sugar, vanilla, salted peanuts, grilled meats, lemons, orange peel, hints of licorice and oak.

Finish : medium long, with notes of peat smoke, vanilla salt, caramel, lemon pepper and smoked bacon.