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Whisky Review: Ardbeg Galileo

Let's set the record straight: Ardbeg Galileo has never been to space. But its flavor? Out of this world.

OVERALL RATING

$250.00
  • Joshua St. John, a Portland-based runner and global whisky explorer.
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Ardbeg Galileo

Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Somewhat darker than standard Ardbeg. Notes of golden straw with additional amber and reddish tones. Quick legs.
Nose:
Peat and smoke, as expected with an additional over-ripened fruitiness — black plums, red grapes — and solid charred oak presence. Very intriguing nose. Takes on different personas as it opens up. Dark, leafy spice notes arrive late in the mix, punctuating the fruit.
Palate:
Sweet and savory, salty and spicy, yet not overpowering in any of these attributes. Oven-dried seaweed chips with salt, fresh vanilla creme brûlée, hint of pipe tobacco. With regards to the finish, the burn is outstanding. Worthy of the theme. Long and intense, yet focused and nuanced. A lesser dram would explode all over the launchpad. This one slips the surly bounds of earth. A greatest hits medley flows over the finish with additional sweetness and salt propelled by signature Ardbeg smoke. Final Thoughts: Once all the confusion and marketing is stripped away, this is fantastic whisky. More than that, this is an exceptionally fine whisky and one of the best Ardbegs I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Why is this a bad thing? Well, because this is a discontinued limited edition from Ardbeg, you will be unlikely to encounter a bottle today without an outrageous markup in the secondary market. If you should find yourself in a position to acquire your own bottle at a price you deem reasonable, I highly doubt you will regret doing so. As a collector’s item it is an interesting oddity given the mystique around it. As a sipper, however, this is an absolute treasure. Score: 95/100 [SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF ARDBEG GALILEO]
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Joshua St. John

When not savoring whiskey, Joshua St. John can likely be found exploring the trails of the Pacific Northwest near his Portland, Oregon, home. A lifelong world traveler, he was first captivated by single malts during visits to Scottish distilleries. He continues to explore the globe, discovering its diverse cultures through the myriad expressions of his beloved spirit.

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