Ardmore 1977-1999 22 Year Old Signatory #1184

The flavor characteristic of the East Highlands from that era gradually expands from within. Ardmore ARDMORE 1977-1999 22yo SIGNATORY VINTAGE #1184 43% One of 340 bottles The aroma has a calm old-world feel, with lemon water, dried orange peel, old grass, vanilla, and a touch of earthiness and tar. On the palate, it is gentle yet expansive, with orange peel, soft sweetness that isn't overpowering, and a faint grassy bitterness alongside tar. [Good/Very Good] This is a Signatory-bottled Ardmore from 1977, matured for 22 years and bottled in a water-added old-style bottle. As expected of a water-added old whisky, the aroma and flavor are overall subdued and gentle, but the drinkability is not bad. While the basic profile is plain and unremarkable, the earthy and tar-like peat notes emerging from deeper within are very impressive. I recognize this as the distinctive character often found in East Highlands malts, particularly Ardmore and North Port. It was a malt that could be enjoyed smoothly while savoring these elements.