ARDBEG TWENTY SOMETHING CELEBRATES THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF ARDBEG
Ardbeg, the iconic Islay malt whisky unveils Ardbeg Twenty Something – a rare 23-year-old whisky.
The launch of Ardbeg Twenty Something commemorates a time when the iconic Ardbeg Distillery name was almost lost forever. In the 1980s and 1990s, production slowed to a trickle and the future of the Distillery hung in the balance. During this period, only a small number of casks were laid down with the belief and vision to keep Ardbeg alive. A young Mickey Heads, now Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, was among this group of visionaries.
Today, Ardbeg endures thanks to the perseverance of that small group of whisky enthusiasts who believed in the Distillery – and in no small part to the loyalty of the Ardbeg Committee, whose quest is to “ensure the doors of Ardbeg never close again.”
In recognition of their unwavering support, Ardbeg Twenty Something will be released exclusively to Ardbeg’s loyal fan base, the Ardbeg Committee, in gratitude for their enduring support of the Distillery.
Mickey Heads, Distillery Manager and Chairman of the Ardbeg Committee says: “This magnificent whisky was created within the retired iconic still which stands proud outside our Distillery today. It’s a glimpse back into Ardbeg’s turbulent past and reaffirms just why the Distillery couldn’t be allowed to be disappear. Ardbeg Twenty Something is for all those who believe heart and soul in Ardbeg whisky, which is why it’s fitting that this most rare of drams – a 23-year-old – will be enjoyed by Committee members.”
Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks at Ardbeg, said: “The ex-Bourbon and Oloroso casks I selected for Ardbeg Twenty Something have delivered a beautiful dram, bursting with rich, deep flavours. It has an incredibly smoky, silky quality which is outstanding. The fact that we’re releasing this 23-year-old in honour of the Ardbeg Committee makes it even more special.”
Ardbeg Twenty Something is non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46.3% ABV. Priced at RRP £430.00 it will be made available on 2nd November from www.ardbeg.com.
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NOTES:
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, sweet wood smoke and vanilla cream mingle with sherry notes, burning pine cones and chocolate. Upon tasting, rich chocolate continues with vanilla pods, dried fruits and fennel. The long finish falls away with just a hint of spiciness.
Ardbeg:
Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future. Following a long closure period in the 1980s, Ardbeg was acquired by Allied Distillers Ltd in 1989. Back then, the Distillery was in a dilapidated state with only a small amount of whisky distilled, mainly for blending. In 1996 Ardbeg’s doors were closed – it seemed for good. Thankfully, Mickey Heads and a few others believed Ardbeg would rise again and they set aside a small number of casks to protect the future of the Distillery. But it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.
Ardbeg Committee:
The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 130 countries. Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee is free to join at ardbeg.com.
Awards:
Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky. Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. It was also awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ and ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2013. At the 2014 awards, Michael Heads of Ardbeg was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’. The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100. Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Glenmorangie Company:
The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt whisky.
Responsible Drinking:
Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.
