Ardbeg – 15 Year Old Distilled 1973 Bottled 1988 Sestante (75cl, 43%)

This is an independent bottling of Ardbeg from Islay, distilled in 1973 while the distillery's own maltings were still in use. Sestante bottled it in 1988 at 15 years old and 43% in a 75cl bottle. It is a lightly peated Ardbeg with a gold colour, and an unusually honeyed one. The nose opens on kumquats and soot, with herbal teas such as chamomile, thyme and rosemary, then turns medicinal with antiseptic, camphor and fresh almonds. The palate is smooth, with buttered croissants, caramel, kumquat and plenty of mint. The finish is medium long and even more mentholated.