1999 Ardbeg Galileo Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some light creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

Ardbeg Galileo commemorates the recent space venture conducted by NanoRacks LLC in late 2011, whereby vials containing specific molecules of Ardbeg were rocketed out of earth's atmosphere to study the effects of maturation in zero gravity! Sorry folks, that means no space whisky in this batch...

Distilled in 1999, Galileo is the result of a twelve year marriage of classic ex-Bourbon casks and new-make completely matured in Sicilian Marsala wine casks. Bill Lumsden had this to say about his findings and final thoughts on the Marsala casks: "It was a bit syrupy and a bit too treacly. This happens a lot when we experiment with Glenmorangie that has been wholly matured in fortified wine casks; it just completely kills it. Obviously, Ardbeg can stand up to it quite a bit more, but I think by blending it with classic Ardbeg it gives it a much more rounded, polished product."

Marketing aside, this release is intriguing to say the least and sure to be a belter given the pedigree of stunning wood finishes created by head honcho Mr. Lumsden.

Tasting notes... Flawless, bright gold appearance. An unusually soft Ardbeg bouquet seems to drift lazily out of the glass offering peppermint / antiseptic notes over semi sweet suggestions of dried fruit and cocoa (think fruit and nut chocolate). The peat is sooty and in balance. Good depth and complexity. The palate is light on entry, building intensity as spices ricochet around the mouth. Medium dry mid palate flavours repeat the cocoa and dried fruits. Salt, lanolin and liquorice on the finish. Concludes light and very dry, with a delicately warm, cocoa and cream aftertaste that’s a little abrupt. A drier, leaner and less explosive distillery expression that probably belongs somewhere between Blasda and Alligator in the Ardbeg pantheon. 49% Alc.Vol.