ARDBEG 17 YEAR COMMITTEE EXCLUSIVE

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

ISLAY, SCOTLAND

Why Buy: This Ardbeg 17 Year Old Committee Release is more than just a great new malt, it’s a delicious taste of time travel that will appeal to Ardbeggians and all lovers of rare and singular spirits. First released in 1997, it was among the inaugural bottles to emerge from the distillery's rebirth. Now, Dr. Bill Lumsden has masterfully recreated this historic dram, meticulously retracing its flavor profile and bottling at the original 40% ABV. It's not just a whiskey; it's a piece of Ardbeg's storied legacy.

Our Tasting Notes: It opens fresh and clean on the nose, as hints of pine resin, aniseed, sea spray and lavender rise up from the glass – for an Ardbeg, a decidedly gentle, almost elegant opening. On the palate, it’s not just texturally rich and even creamy, but also abundant with association, unfolding into a symphony of aniseed, toffee, café latte, and fennel. The peat smoke, ever-present in an Ardbeg, here plays more of a supporting role (though, rest assured, it’s a memorable one). The lingering, complex finish is marvelously resonant, sending up hints of chewy oak, cocoa powder and tar.

The Story: Ardbeg, the enfant terrible of Islay, has always marched to its own delightfully idiosyncratic beat. When the 17 Year Old first graced glasses in 1997, it was more than just a new release – it was a phoenix rising from the ashes. After years of intermittent production and an eventual closure in 1981, Ardbeg roared back to life in the late '90s. This bottling was among the first to leave the distillery post-revival, a liquid testament to Ardbeg's resilience and craft. Fast forward to today, and Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg's Director of Whisky Creation (a title as unique as the man himself), has performed what can only be described as liquid archaeology. With the precision of a scientist and the passion of an artist, he's recreated this historic dram note for note. It's as if he's reached through time and pulled this whisky from the past, allowing a new generation of Ardbeggians to experience a pivotal moment in the distillery's history.

What to Pair It With: This gentler expression of Ardbeg pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, aged Gouda, or dark chocolate with sea salt. For something boundary-pushing, try it alongside oysters and see how the brine of the sea echoes the whisky’s distinct maritime notes.

ABV: 40% (80 proof)

Fun Fact: Ardbeg's water source, Loch Uigeadail, is so peaty that it actually contributes to the whisky's signature smoky flavor – even before the malted barley encounters any peat smoke. It's as if Islay itself were insistent on being included in every dram.

Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and source directly from the distiller, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (December 20, 2024 - Mar 20, 2025). All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer only valid in AZ, CA, CO, FL, MN, NJ, & WI. This offer will expire on Monday, September 9, 2024.