The Ardbeg new launched Ardbeg Y2K whisky
The Ardbeg Distillery has launched a special whisky. It’s a whisky that has everything to do with the millennium bug, which was much talked about during the turn of the century. Something also went wrong at Ardbeg, which has now led to a 23-year-old single malt whisky that did not mature at the distillery on Islay.
The Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 23 Years Old is the first expression in a new whisky series for collectors. The drink is made from the first spirit of the millennium and one of the last spirits to come out of the old Ardbeg still.
Ardbeg History
Ardbeg’s history is one of resilience and revival. Saved from neglect in 1997 by The Glenmorangie Company, it was meticulously restored, reclaiming its place as one of Scotland’s iconic distilleries. Despite the Y2K scare, Ardbeg remained steadfast, producing whisky through the turn of the millennium. Today, it stands as a testament to the dedication of its craftsmen and the enduring spirit of Islay.While the world was buzzing with bootcut jeans, flip phones, and the looming Y2K bug, Ardbeg was making its own history.
Rescued from neglect in 1997 by The Glenmorangie Company, Ardbeg was painstakingly restored. As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve 1999, Ardbeg was revving up to full production. While other distilleries feared the chaos of the millennium bug and closed their doors, Ardbeg’s devoted stillmen worked tirelessly through the night to keep the whisky flowing.
The story behind Ardbeg Y2K 23 years old release
Crafted from the very first spirit of the new millennium, the debut edition of the Ardbeg Vintage Y2K series is a departure from anything that came before it. Distilled in the iconic still that had served Ardbeg for over five decades before its retirement in 2001, and aged in select bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks under new ownership.
The result? A single malt bursting with vibrant citrusy notes and intensely sweet, smoky flavors – a one-of-a-kind creation. Aromas of lemon balsam mingle with linseed oil and heather honey, while the palate awakens with soot, peppermint, and hints of coffee and aniseed.
As this whisky made its way into the warehouse, another significant chapter unfolded at Ardbeg. In February 2000, a group of dedicated fans formed the Ardbeg Committee, ensuring the Distillery’s legacy would live on. Today, with over two decades of loyal support, the Ardbeg Committee boasts members from over 130 countries, totaling 180,000 strong.
Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Master Distiller, describes the Ardbeg Vintage Y2K as a rare memento of a pivotal year. With its herbal, citrusy aroma and explosive palate of soot, peppermint, and coffee, this collector’s classic is pure Ardbeg nostalgia.
Jackie Thomson, Committee Chair and Distillery Visitor Centre Manager, reflects on the milestone of the millennium and the birth of the Ardbeg Committee. With Y2K fashion and culture making a comeback, Ardbeg invites enthusiasts to savor the spirit of Ardbeg Vintage Y2K and relive the magic of that remarkable year.
Ardbeg Y2K Tasting Experience:
ABV: 46%
Color: Pale Amber
Aroma: Herbal, sweet, and aromatic, with a delicate hint of distant perfumed smoke. Upon closer examination, you’ll discover a unique, zesty note akin to lemon balsam, accompanied by hints of linseed oil and candied walnuts. Adding a splash of water enhances the fragrance, bringing out notes of heather honey, a touch of creosote, and the faintest whiff of tent canvas.
Taste: The texture is lively and sherbet-like, with a lively effervescence on the palate. The initial flavor bursts with intense sweetness, featuring notes of aniseed, toffee, digestive biscuits, peppermint, menthol, tar, and coffee grounds. These are followed by rich, sooty, and tarry undertones.
Finish: A long, lingering aftertaste unfolds with hints of antiseptic lozenges, bitter orange peel, and oak tannins.
Ardbeg Y2K Price
Ardbeg Y2K will be available for purchase in the UK and on Ardbeg.com starting in July, with registrations open for interest on Ardbeg.com from May 7th. RRP: £670.
Are you a Ardbeg lover? Let us know! Read here more about the new Suntory The Kogei Collection 2024
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