Ardbeg Almost There Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

In 2004 Ardbeg Very Young appeared, followed by Still Young in 2006. Now 'Almost There' has been released, featuring nine-year-old whisky. This series of bottlings has given Ardbeg’s many aficionados the opportunity to chart the spirit’s progress as it matures, and there have been some surprises along the way. As Ardbeg’s Jackie Thomson notes, “Very Young had a really phenolic nose, and Still Young was much creamier and a bit woodier. People expected Almost There to keep the creaminess, but it’s surprised them. It’s more phenolic than you might expect, rather back to the style of the Very Young. We’re not sure which way it will go for the ten-year-old. The jury’s out, and it’s exciting.” To produce Ardbeg 'Almost There', heavily malted barley was mashed with water from the Uigeadail loch to form a wort. This was then distilled twice and left to mature in Bourbon casks. The whisky is bottled at cask strength without chill-filtering. Very Limited Stocks.

Tasting note: Initially quite cerealy on the nose, sweet, with vanilla and lemon yet significantly phenolic. Peat develops with exposure to air, and there is a more profound ‘roasted’ note than in the Still Young. Very sweet and smoothly intense on the palate, where lemon can again be detected, followed by spices and pepper. The finish is smooth, long and peaty, but with a peppery prickle. Another intriguing Ardbeg bottling. 54.1% Alc./Vol.
- tasting note sourced from www.whisky-pages.com