Ardbeg 16 Year Old 1998 Malts of Scotland

Ardbeg on sherry! It is still a rare combination, I think. And judging by the color, this might have been a first fill cask. I have no way to be sure, though.

It starts fairly sweet with loads of earthy notes. I would describe the sweetness as almonds and rhubarb. A bit of old leather shines through as well. After a few moments milk chocolate kicks in. And brown sugar. Once past the sherry, the typical Ardbeg shines through with loads of peat and a salty edge. Wet tar. Wonderful.

It is quite oily on the palate. Almost creamy. Immediately sweet peat, loads of seasalt and ashes, before the sherry takes over and makes it warm and sweet on vanilla, yellow plums and rhubarb. Hints of grapefruit. Surprisingly sweet, but what a tasty dram!

In the warm and long finish, the fruit evolves towards the dried variety and is wrapped in a smoky blanket. It dies, despite the sherry sweetness, a very salty death.

Stunning Ardbeg, perfectly balanced. And eminently quaffable without water, despite the cask strength. Available for around 180 EUR.

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