Ardbeg 1965 bottled by Cadenhead’s. Different versions exist, some with the same strength and possibly with the same contents, see the Sestante bottling for instance, as well as an ‘Andy and Norman’ label.
Ardbeg 24 yo 1965 (54,4%, Cadenhead’s 1990, black label dumpy)
Ardbeg 24 yo 1965 (54,4%, Cadenhead’s 1990, black label dumpy)Nose: very pure and rather smoky, hinting towards mezcal. Oily, with hints of a car workshop, turpentine and old greasy metal. Then hints of moss and herbs. Oranges, lemons and a hint of sour plums. Almonds too. Subtle pepper and eucalyptus. Austere aromas but somehow delivered in a rather round way, nice.
Mouth: again really assertive and rather narrow. Smoked fish, lots of briney notes and peppered lemons. Tobacco and cigar leaves. Lightly bitter herbal notes, moving towards mustard and those engine oils again. Cold ashes and liquorice.
Finish: long, ashy, tarry, salty and herbal. True Islay juice.
I’ve possibly tried the same whisky with a white label indeed, but we don’t really mind. Excellent whisky, with a slightly more accessible nose and a fierce palate. Thank you, Jens!
Score: 93/100