The Ardbeg 1997 SMWS 33.108 is a distinguished expression from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), a prestigious organization known for bottling exclusive single cask Scotch whiskies for its members. Cask 33.108 indicates this particular Ardbeg was the 108th cask bottled by the society from distillery number 33, which is the code denoting Ardbeg.
Distinctive Provenance
This whisky hails from the late 1990s, a pivotal time in Ardbeg’s history. The distillery was undergoing a revival, and the whiskies produced during this period were some of the first to benefit from the new ownership’s commitment to tradition and quality. Each cask selected by SMWS encapsulates a unique snapshot of the distillery’s production, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
Cask Selection and Maturation
Selected by the discerning palates at SMWS, this single cask from 1997 would have been matured to highlight the exceptional qualities of Ardbeg’s spirit. The society is renowned for its meticulous cask selection process, ensuring that each release under its label is a standout dram.
Sensory Profile
While specific tasting notes for cask 33.108 are not detailed here, typical profiles for such releases often feature:
Nose: A potent mix of Ardbeg’s signature peat smoke laced with maritime notes, along with a potential array of ripe fruits, vanilla, and hints of leather or tobacco, depending on the cask’s characteristics.
Palate: A likely symphony of intense smoky and peaty flavors, balanced with sweetness, spices, and a textured mouthfeel that could be both oily and creamy.
Finish: Expectations would lean towards a long, satisfying finish, with the peaty and smoky notes enduring, complemented by a myriad of subtle flavors that linger on the palate.
Exclusivity and Desirability
Being a SMWS bottling, this Ardbeg 1997 would be highly exclusive, sought after by whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike for its uniqueness and the quality assurance that comes with the SMWS name. Bottles like these often become collector’s items due to their limited availability and distinctive profiles.
Overall Reflection
The Ardbeg 1997 SMWS 33.108 is a testament to the rich and peaty heritage of the distillery, presented through the lens of one of the world’s most exclusive whisky societies. It’s a bottling that conveys a story—a story of Ardbeg’s resurgence and the meticulous cask selection that the SMWS is celebrated for. This expression is more than just a whisky; it is a piece of Ardbeg’s living history, a collector’s treasure, and a dram to be savored by those fortunate enough to experience it.
