Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
- Distillery
- Ardbeg
- Region
- Islay
- Country
- Scotland
- Type
- Single Malt
- ABV
- 49.1%
- Age
- 23 years
- Price
- £291.95
- Community rating
- 5.00 / 5 (4 ratings)
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Sherried, Cooked Fruit, Leathery, Old Wood
- Description
- Ardbeg's 23-year-old Darkness! expression combines Islay's signature peat smoke with the richness of Oloroso sherry in a bold, contrasting finish. Fresh first-fill 50-litre Oloroso casks impart concentrated sweetness and depth despite brief finishing time, layering oxidative complexity over the distillery's waxy, medicinal character. The result balances smoke and sherry without either overwhelming the other. This release appeals to experienced peat lovers seeking something beyond straight Islay character, or those drawn to adventurous cask finishing.
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✦ Neatly Summary
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is a 23-year-old single malt from Ardbeg (Islay, Scotland), bottled at 49.1% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, sweet and fruity character — smokey, sherried, cooked fruit, leathery. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Ardbeg's 23-year-old Darkness! expression combines Islay's signature peat smoke with the richness of Oloroso sherry in a bold, contrasting finish. Fresh first-fill 50-litre Oloroso casks impart concentrated sweetness and depth despite brief finishing time, layering oxidative complexity over the distillery's waxy, medicinal character. The result balances smoke and sherry without either overwhelming the other. This release appeals to experienced peat lovers seeking something beyond straight Islay character, or those drawn to adventurous cask finishing.
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