Twenty years have passed since its discontinuation in 2004. This exquisite single malt from Islay, Scotland, has finally made its triumphant return. A perfect dram savored neat is set to captivate whisky enthusiasts once more.

Today, the ways of enjoying whisky have diversified, with highballs and cocktails gaining popularity through various arrangements. However, to truly savor the essence of a single malt, neat is undeniably the classic approach. This bottle, encouraging a return to such origins, is the newly revived 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old'.

Why neat? Because it allows you to fully appreciate the single malt's inherent aroma and flavor. In his book 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Whisky,' author Haruki Murakami describes the enjoyment of single malts thus:

“One should not add ice to single malt whisky. For the same reason one does not chill red wine, doing so would cause the precious aromas to dissipate—”

Bringing your nose close to the rim of the glass, you slowly savor the aroma over time. Then, taking a small sip, you engage in a dialogue with its complex flavors, as if rolling them on your tongue. This luxurious experience is a unique pleasure of drinking it neat. Through this, one can perceive the terroir from which the single malt originated. The terroir of Islay, in particular, is quite robust and stimulates the imagination of whisky aficionados.

In essence, single malts are meant to be enjoyed for their terroir, making neat the ultimate way to drink them. Not with water or soda, and certainly not with ice. This is Murakami's point, and many whisky lovers feel the same.

Now, a perfect expression for enjoying neat has been revived by Ardbeg. In 2004, the legendary whisky 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old' disappeared, much to the regret of many whisky fans. The reason for its disappearance was the depletion of its stock. Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg's Director of Distillation and Whisky Creation, was forced to make the decision to discontinue 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old'.

The most distinctive characteristic of 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old' is its unusually low-peated character for an Ardbeg. While the peat nuances are certainly present, as expected from an Islay single malt, what stands out even more is its elegant mouthfeel. This unique profile was achieved through a different sourcing arrangement for its raw materials compared to other Ardbeg expressions. The distillery they partnered with used malted barley with a different phenol level. By using malted barley with a lower phenol content, they were able to achieve a milder and more elegant flavor.

Dr. Lumsden was committed to recreating this legendary taste, further setting the alcohol content at 40%. Unlike other Ardbeg expressions, it underwent chill filtration. The result is an exceptionally smooth palate. The low-peated character and the velvety texture harmoniously merge at a high level, creating a delicacy meant to be savored neat.

“I thought, perhaps, I could bring it back,” Dr. Lumsden shared at the event in Japan. He revealed that even after its discontinuation, he had secretly continued to produce small, experimental batches of the 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old' spirit. “Two years ago, I tasted that batch and thought we could make the same whisky,” he added.

His persistent efforts have borne fruit, and after 20 years, 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old' has made its comeback. Furthermore, according to Dr. Lumsden, there is enough stock accumulated to release it annually. This is truly wonderful news for whisky enthusiasts.

The tasting notes vividly convey its allure. A fresh, clean aroma with nuances of pine resin, sea spray, and lavender soap. Dr. Lumsden describes it as "like taking a deep breath of air at the Ardbeg distillery." The palate begins with a beautifully creamy texture, harmonizing notes of aniseed toffee, café latte, fennel, and a hint of medicinal soap. The aroma of smoked fruit then tickles the nose, eloquently speaking of Islay's terroir. While the peat is subtle, it makes its presence felt, leading to a lingering finish of firm oak, cocoa powder, and tar.

Dr. Bill Lumsden described it as, "If the standard expression 'Ardbeg 10 Year Old' is an espresso, then 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old' is like the gentle sweetness of a café latte." This statement succinctly captures the essence of 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old'.

So, to all whisky aficionados, and to those about to embark on their journey into the world of whisky: why not make your debut with 'Ardbeg 17 Year Old' served neat? Bring your nose close to the amber liquid poured into the glass and be captivated by its aroma. Then, take a slow sip. Within it lies the terroir of Islay and the craftsmanship of artisans spanning two decades.

While sales for 2024 have unfortunately already concluded, the most reliable way to stay informed about such exceptional releases is to become an Ardbeg Committee member. To seize the next opportunity, we recommend registering for free as a Committee member on the Ardbeg website at your earliest convenience.

■ Product Name: Ardbeg 17 Year Old
■ Price: ¥30,800 (tax included)
■ Volume: 700ml
■ Alcohol Content: 40%
■ Maturation Cask: Bourbon Casks
■ URL:https://www.ardbegjp.com/products/ardbeg-17yo