Ardbeg 22yr 1993 SC (Cadenhead)

• 22 years
• 55.3% ABV
• Bourbon cask

So, little disclaimer going in. I love 1970s Ardbeg, hell I love Ardbeg. I am really looking forward to this.

Nose: Mellowed out compared to younger Ardbeg bottles. Smoke, peat, oak, dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, leather, smores, lemon zest.

Palate: Oak, vanilla, tannins, smoke, peat, brine, cherry, oily, raisins and citrus.

Finish: Long. Nice balance between oak, peat,salt, dark chocolate and complimentary flavors (vanilla, leather, orange). This finish is really something special.

Score: 92

Wonderful balance. Long finish. The peat and smoke have been mellowed, the leather and fruit notes play a big role. Lots of the notes would have had me guessing refill sherry cask. This is what we need from Ardbeg – cask strength with a proper age statement. They still make some amazing whisky.