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After 20 years of banter from whisky enthusiasts, Ardbeg has finally announced the long-awaited return of the 17-year-old single malt. The expression was one of the first releases launched after The Glenmorangie Company took over the almost-forgotten Islay-based distillery in 1997. With the brand's growing popularity in the early 2000s, the 17 was discontinued in 2004.
Brought back to life with the headline 'The Legend Returns,' the 17-year-old is offered at 40% ABV and chill-filtered like it used to be. Ardbeg had to break its own current rules to not bottle whiskies under 46% ABV and un-chill-filtered to stay true to the original expression. The result is a delicate take on the distillery’s trademark smoky character.
But the distillery has given mixed signals about the return of the 17-year-old. It is stated to be a limited release only available for the members of the Ardbeg Committee - which is stated on the label - at the same time, the expression is said to be available on the company's website, the distillery and Ardbeg Embassies, aka specialised spirits retailers, from 24 September 2024.
We guess Ardbeg fans will have to wait and see how long the release will be available and from where. But for those unwilling to wait, joining the Ardbeg Committee is free and can be done at ardbeg.com
What we do know for sure is that the 2024 resurrection release will have a suggested retail price of £160 (US$210) at launch.
Images by Ardbeg
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