Ardbeg has released Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 25 Years Old, the third and final whisky in its millennium vintage series. The Islay single malt is bottled at 48% ABV and carries a recommended retail price of £730 (US$980 / ₹93,675).
The expression marks the oldest and rarest release in the series. It is made from some of the first Ardbeg ever finished in Tempranillo wine casks from Spain.
The Vintage_Y2K series celebrates the year 2000, when the Islay distillery returned to full production. Ardbeg had been saved from closure in 1997, then renovated and revived.
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READ THE STORYEach whisky in the series unites spirit from the distillery’s 51-year-old still, which was retired in 2001, with whisky-making techniques new to Ardbeg.
The new 25-year-old was initially aged in bourbon casks. It was then transferred into Tempranillo red wine casks sourced from Bodega Numanthia in north-west Spain. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s director of whisky creation, selected the casks for the finish. It was the first time the distillery used casks from the Spanish estate.
According to the brand, the finish reveals notes of coffee, smoked fruit and barbecue ribs with paprika, combined with peat smoke and sweet chili.
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“It’s been an honour to celebrate Ardbeg’s reawakening in 2000 through the ultra-rare whiskies of our Vintage_Y2K series,” said Lumsden. “With each release more limited than the last, these smoky anomalies bring together Ardbeg’s heritage and spirit of innovation to memorable effect.”
He added: “The oldest and rarest release of the series yet, Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 25 Years Old is a fitting finale. Collectors will love this whisky’s rich, zesty complexity.”
The first two whiskies in the series remain available in limited quantities. Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 23 Years Old was matured in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, while the 24-year-old was aged in bourbon and Amontillado sherry casks.
The official tasting notes from the brand describe a pale bronze color. The aroma offers smoked blackcurrants, chili chocolate and aged balsamic vinegar. The palate delivers coffee grounds, dark chocolate and barbecued spare ribs, with a lingering finish of lime pickle and tar.
The whisky is available from Ardbeg.com, The Whisky Exchange, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Master of Malt and other specialist retailers.
