Ardbeg Lord of the Isles Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some light creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. This one, in particular, has a slightly low fill level and some pronounced cellar bloom. Actual product pictured.

This expression of Ardbeg celebrates a period in Scottish history which saw Islay as the stronghold of Somerled, the Lord of the Isles. At 25 years old, this malt embodies the richness, depth and sweetness of all the Ardbegs, however, it also contrasts in style. Delicacy and sweetness abound, while the smoky, heavy peat Ardbeg lovers are accustomed to remains understated. Add to that some uncharacteristic brine character and pleasing nutiness thanks to the sherry influence. Bottled at 46% and non chill filtered, allowing the `natural` flavours and aromas of Ardbeg to develop, this now uber-rare malt is interestingly packaged in a moss green, coffin-like presentation box.

Other reviews...
Nose: As if two peat styles are working in tandem: one soft, toffeed and lilting, the other firmer, drier; Taste: big peat kick at first then a more sombre maltiness; Finish: slightly flat and disappointing; Balance: a dram that starts well enough but complexity becomes scarcer as cream toffee effect mingles with the peat.
87 points - Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2006

I must confess I only ever tried the earlier batches of the Lord of The Isles - I think it all started around the year 2000. Colour: pale gold. Nose: it's an easier whisky than the 1966, with more fruits and herbs and less sooty/tarry notes. Typical good Ardbeg from the years when the output wasn't hugely peated, not too far from the well-known official 1978s, only with more kick. Quite some burning grass, apples and fresh walnuts... Then hints of clay and maybe touches of curry. No monster despite the coffin it was delivered in. Mouth: starts relatively easy, almost smooth, but the peat blast is soon to happen. It's not very complex, but it's very complete (right, try again S.) with a sooty peatiness, fresh almonds, some lemon, green apples, touches of salt and a little pine resin. Gets rather more briny and kippery after that. Finish: it's long, saltier and more lemony. Almond and pine resin the the aftertaste. Comments: it's not a hugely complex old Ardbeg but other than that everything's totally perfect here.
92 points - whiskyfun.com

...Nose: Sea air and smokiness – evocative sootiness. Palate: Silky. The touch of fruitiness, usually reminiscent of lemons, is sweeter, with a momentary suggestion of cherries. The flavours become almondy and walnut-like, then rooty and peppery. Finish: Long, haughty. Comment: Lots of flavour development, complexity and refinement. Very elegant, but where is the clamour of battle? - Michael Jackson.