Ardbeg 25 yo (bottled 2002), Lord of the Isles, 46%

Review #659

This version is from 02-12-2002. An iconic bottling from Ardbeg that was released from 2001 to 2007. Very fresh and soft vanilla peat on the nose. White fruits and Islay vegetation. Some mint at the end.

A bit earthy and salty notes with peat in the taste. Oak, grass and hay with some lemons as well in the background. Some white fruits are more noticeable in the finish, which is quite long by the  way. Crisp apples and pears (not the overripe sweet kind).

This is how old Ardbeg should taste like, on so many aspects. Unfortunately, I miss a bit of complexity and oak influence after all these years. Maybe a bit higher ABV could have done the trick? Anyway, it is still a very nice dram! I will give this 89/100 (22/23/22/22).