Ardbeg relaunches 17YO

Moët Hennessy-owned Ardbeg Distillery has announced the return of its beloved 17-year-old single malt, which was discontinued in 2004.

The 17-year-old single malt will return as a limited edition exclusively for the Ardbeg Committee. Revered for its delicate smoky notes, the original bottling was considered 'a true icon of its time'. The limited edition revival pays tribute to those who have made Ardbeg 17 the legend that it is –from the whisky’s creators to the fans who tirelessly lobbied for its return. First introduced over 25 years ago in 1997, the 17-year-old was one of the first whiskies to leave the distillery when it reopened after being saved from extinction by The Glenmorangie Company. The distillery’s Whisky Creation team challenged themselves to retrace their steps and bring the flavour profile of that old favourite back to life, 'one delicately smoky note at a time'. Ardbeg decided to break its own rules to bring back the classic: it usually bottles all of its whiskies at an ABV of 46% or higher and non-chill filters them, but the new 17-year-old is offered at 40% ABV and chill-filtered, just like it used to be. The result is a delicate take on the distillery’s trademark smoke with 'distinctly balmy and medicinal character with an enticing minerality that bursts into sweet smoke and malted barley'.

Gillian Macdonald, master blender, said: “When we meet die-hard Ardbeg Committee members, the conversation often turns to Ardbeg 17 Years Old. After pondering for some time how we could bring this favourite back to life, we landed on a delicious recipe that honours the original 17-year-old's character in aroma, flavour and texture.

"Ardbeg fans can expect to find classic aromas of pine resin and sea spray, as well as a mineral note layered with malted barley – all underpinned by delicate smoke. In tribute to the Ardbeg folk past and present who made this whisky an icon, we’re very excited to bring an Islay legend back to life, allowing a new generation of whisky lovers to experience an iconic Ardbeg that they’ve heard so much about.”

Available exclusively to members of the Ardbeg Committee, the release will be available online at Ardbeg.com and at the distillery visitor centre on Islay from 24 September 2024. It has a suggested retail price of £160 (US$210).

So far this year, the Islay distillery has released a limited edition The Abyss, launched a new Vintage series and extended its Anthology Collection.