The Ardbeg 22 Year Old by Gordon & MacPhail is a rare and exceptional whisky that showcases the expertise of both the distiller and the bottler. This particular expression is part of the Connoisseurs Choice range, which is a series of unique single malt whiskies selected by the renowned independent bottler for their exceptional quality and interest.
Distilled at the Ardbeg distillery on the Isle of Islay, this whisky carries the distinctive traits of the region’s renowned peaty profile. The spirit would have been made using malted barley dried over peat fires, which imparts a deep smokiness to the final product, a signature of Ardbeg’s whiskies.
After distillation, the spirit was laid to rest in carefully selected casks by Gordon & MacPhail. Over 22 years, the whisky would have matured, developing a complexity and a mellowing of the intense peatiness for which Ardbeg is known. The choice of cask, whether American oak ex-bourbon or European oak ex-sherry, would greatly influence the final flavour profile, with the former likely adding notes of vanilla and coconut and the latter contributing rich dried fruit and spice nuances.
Upon nosing, one might expect a rich tapestry of aromas: the smoky peat is almost certainly there, but with a sophistication that only age can bring. There may be a maritime quality, with hints of sea salt and iodine, and perhaps a touch of citrus or stone fruit, depending on the cask’s influence.
The palate would likely be a balance of strength and elegance. The peat smoke, while still present, would not overpower but rather complement the other flavours. There could be a sweetness, a result of the long interaction with the wood, along with a range of flavours from chocolate and coffee to nuts and spices.
The finish would be expected to be long, warm, and lingering. The smoke would gently fade, leaving behind the matured essence of the cask and the distilled spirit—a reflection of the time-honoured tradition of whisky making on Islay and the skill of Gordon & MacPhail in selecting and maturing such a fine dram.
In summary, the Ardbeg 22 Year Old by Gordon & MacPhail is not just a whisky; it’s a journey through time and flavour, offering a sip of the history and character of one of Scotland’s most beloved distilleries.
