Ardbeg – 1973 15 Year Old Sestante (Bottled 1988) (75cl, 53.4%)

This is a 15 year old Ardbeg bottled independently by Sestante in 1988 from whisky distilled in 1973, when the distillery's own maltings were still in use. It is an Islay single malt at a cask strength of 53.4%, in a 75cl bottle. The nose is herbal and coastal, with rosemary, thyme, cumin, seawater, smoked tea, spearmint and cloves, and not much peat. On the palate come almond, menthol, old amaretto, salted butter, walnut liqueur and honeydew. The finish is long, almondy and minty, with a salty edge.