Ardbeg 1975-2002 26 Year Old Official #4701 46.2%

A unified sherry cask Ardbeg from the 1970s. Ardbeg ARDBEG 1975-2002 26yo OB #4701 46.2% One of 252 bottles, Sherry Hogshead The aroma features a sweet sherry character, Ardbeg's signature peat, and a richly integrated kombu dashi. Notes of American coffee, prunes, black sugar red bean cake, seaweed iodine and seafood smoke, decaying leaves, and animalic undertones. On the palate, it begins with a smooth mouthfeel expanding into a rich sherry character, concentrated fruits like prunes, and a sweet depth reminiscent of black sugar. Tannins provide a gentle tightening contrast, while the peat carries a salty, metallic edge with hints of boiled kombu. The oily finish lingers long. 【Very Good】 This is an official single cask Ardbeg from 1975, aged for 26 years. It appears to have been bottled in 2002 for the French market. The nose combines a deep sherry sweetness with concentrated fruits and black sugar, while Ardbeg's characteristic metallic notes and earthiness intertwine with the oceanic aroma of kombu dashi. The balance between rich sweetness and astringent tannins is well executed, with the umami-like nuance of sweet-salty boiled kombu leaving a strong impression. Though bold and intense with a harmonious integration of cask and spirit from aging, the alcohol strength felt slightly low, resulting in a body that seemed slightly lighter than expected. With more forceful expansion after drinking, it would have been even more exceptional.