New Release: Ardbeg 23 Year Old Official 'Twenty Something' 46.3%

Expensive but delicious with a mature flavor. Ardbeg ARDBEG OB 23yo 'TWENTY SOMETHING' 46.3% bottled in 2017 The aroma is sharp and fruity, with honeyed lemon, sea breeze and a metallic touch, light malty notes, and strong smoky peat. When drinking, the umami expands gradually, with metallic sharpness balanced by a pleasant sweetness and citrus acidity. The finish has a refined, slightly chewy malty umami with strong smoky peat. It is well matured without any greenness. [Good/Very Good] This year's release of Ardbeg 23 Year Old Official 'Twenty Something' 46.3%. It uses the limited stock of long-aged spirit remaining at Ardbeg Distillery. Last year, a 21-year-old version was released around the same time, but this year's bottling features a longer-aged 23-year-old expression. Personally, I found that while Ardbeg often has a youthful base with strong cask influence, this bottling demonstrates sufficient maturity. There is a strong peat character with sharp, cool metallic nuances, maintaining the clear identity of Ardbeg. The texture is refined, with fruity notes and a smooth, well-balanced malty umami. While the price is somewhat high, I believe this bottling offers sufficient value as an official Ardbeg release with limited stock.