Ardbeg 1980-2004 Official Kildalton

After a long time, I had the chance to taste Kildalton again and carefully re-examined it with great interest. Ardbeg ARDBEG 1980-2004 OB Kildalton 57.6% The aroma features damp lemon, dried white wine, a touch of plum, matured barley, earthy notes, cool and sharp characteristics, a gentle yet metallic sensation, with peat subtly present in the background. Upon drinking, it starts with a smooth mouthfeel that expands into spice, revealing lemon, mature barley essence, and a mild vegetal note. The sweetness is subdued and dry, with faint metallic tones and a touch of oil. The finish is long-lasting. [Good/Very Good, Interesting] This is an official bottling of Ardbeg's Kildalton, released in 1980 and bottled in 2004. It was released as Kildalton just before the distillery's temporary closure, made without peat. Although it's labeled as non-peated, various elements from the production process left some detectable peatiness. Compared to typical releases, other elements take precedence here—notes of lemon and white wine, a gentle yet strong barley character, and the cool, sharp nuances typical of the house style, along with a metallic quality. On the palate, it's spicy and dry, with hints of mature barley's umami, metallic tones, and oily characteristics. Though dry, the finish lingers long. This bottle was kindly provided by KEITH in Echoda. #Ardbeg (ARDBEG)