Ardbeg 17-year-old

Ardbeg 17 years, bottled in 2024, 40% alc. Committee Exclusive. Nose: Gentle peat smoke with sea salt butter, fried fennel and a light citrus sweetness. Plus a few almonds, tea and slightly buttery dough. Spruce wood can be heard in the background. The smoke sometimes gets stronger, sometimes it retreats again, reminiscent of calm sea water. Palate: The smoke is present, but is mild and creamy. Tea with milk and smoked aromas. Mild children's liquorice and somewhat stronger pine resin. In the background there is shell limestone and a very delicate trace of ash. Finish: Long and elegant, the peat smoke still comes through. Milk coffee, malt and a dash of lemon. Conclusion: For Ardbeg connoisseurs, the basic data is rather unusual, especially since it also contains parts of non-peated Ardbeg (who remembers Blasda?), but overall a worthwhile whisky that needs a little time and attention. 86/100 points (2024)

Aroma Lemon balm, pear, banana, cheesecake, violet flowers, sponge cake, hazelnuts, brown sugar throat lozenges, with a hint of light smoke and a faint antiseptic note in the distance. As Dr. Bill Lumsden mentioned, the aroma combines fruitiness with a soft smokiness, typical of a well-aged Islay malt. However, deeper down, there are hints of iodine and charred notes, which evoke the distinctive character of Ardbeg. When diluted with water, the nose shifts to salted caramel, lemon peel madeleines, and ginger ale. Taste On the palate, it spreads softly at first, gradually revealing peat and smoke. It’s dry with minimal sweetness, featuring flavors of smoke, BBQ, antiseptic, and briny notes. The smokiness is much stronger than expected, making you want to joke, "Wait, wasn’t the phenol level supposed to be a third of what it normally is?" While the mid-palate softens somewhat, the smokiness remains far from weak. Even into the finish, the peat stays strong. With each sip, the Ardbeg character becomes more pronounced, maintaining that familiar, consistent smokiness. At 40% ABV and aged for 17 years, the whisky feels softer compared to the 5-year or 10-year expressions, but the robust Ardbeg intensity and solid body remain intact. The sweetness is restrained, so those who regularly drink the 10-year might find this a bit subdued. With its 40% ABV, it may not need water, but when tested, the whisky becomes noticeably drier. Rather than opening up the aroma, the overall volume seems to decrease. I wouldn’t recommend diluting it too much, so keep water to a minimum. Needless to say, serving it on the rocks or as a highball isn’t recommended either.

03.03.2026 83 / 100 Color: Straw yellow, rather natural. Not chill-filtered. AROMA - 21 / 25 Pleasant and heavily peaty, with a hint of sweet fruit and feminine perfume on the back. Lots of coal smoke, mineral notes, and a beach bonfire. There's a bit of resin, overripe apples, lemon peel, and woody bark. Simple, but surprisingly pleasant. TASTE - 20 / 25 Smoky, a bit woody, slightly buttery, and watery, yet slightly spicy at the same time. Burnt caramel, tobacco, a touch of old wood and tree bark, spring campfire smoke, minerality, and a touch of herbalism (wormwood and thyme). There's also bitter lemon zest and a touch of herbal pepper, and a pinch of dirty earthiness. It's true that it lacks a bit of body, but it's not bad. FINISH - 20.5 / 25 Vanilla-smoky, tobacco-like, and slightly mineral with notes of slightly oxidized metal. A touch of iodine, caramel, and saltwater. Quite short and watery, just like the flavor itself. BALANCE - 21.5 / 25 Considering the strength and the capabilities of Ardbeg's "limited" editions, I expected worse results. Nevertheless, despite its low alcohol content, it's decent. The aroma is pleasant and represents the best of Bourbon casks infused with peated Islay distillate. Of course, it could use more body and a longer, fuller finish. However, the long barrel aging has given it a decent balance.

Great nose. Not a smoke bomb, but fresh, slightly floral notes that blend perfectly with the smoke. Unfortunately, the low alcohol content is evident in the taste. Unfortunately, I have no comparison to the old 17yo, but this bottling would have really benefited from 46%. Unfortunately, it seems a little flat and only scores again with its age in the finish.

I don't really understand the people who write about this malt. Sure - the price is too high for a 17-year-old malt that has unfortunately been diluted to 40%. But it doesn't deserve either the harsh criticism of some, nor the dilution. Because for me the nose is absolutely outstanding. Sea spray, seaweed, oysters, herbal-earthy Ardbeg smoke and a wonderful light fruity sweetness. Grilled pineapple, mirabelles, honeydew melon. Candy floss, salted caramel. In the mouth, the 40% certainly lacks the necessary power to put a smile on my face, but the harmony between dry-ashy and sweet-herbal notes that this 17-year-old Ardbeg exudes is definitely a pleasure for me as a starter on a tasting evening. Maybe not quite what Ardbeg wanted to achieve with the composition and maybe not quite what you would expect from an Ardbeg on paper but as a very good malt it is just the right thing for the (smoky) start of a tasting

Odd whisky, not a 'usual' peated whisky or more specifically Ardbeg to me. Smoke, like something's on fire. Creamy and smooth. Pleasant.

I know the old 17-year-old, and from memory, it captures the character quite well. In direct comparison, however, there are certainly things to criticize. It's a rather simple whisky, but one that manages to be elegant with its hint of age and subtle aronatol, even at only 40% ABV. I like it. However, it is also clear that the normal price is simply too high for what is offered.

Any resemblance of this 17 year old to the original 17 year old is purely coincidental. I think Jim Murray had something to do with its formation. Tasted again November 2024. Nothing going for it. BLAH. Tasted again. Ardbeg should be ashamed for putting something out this bad.

Tasted on 16.06.25

Some people complain about ABV and price. But I think the value of this bottle is in Ardbeg's attempt to be as similar to the style of the past as possible.

Tasted at The Whisky Show 2025. Palate is light, but richer than I expected.

If you approach this with an open mind, especially given the low alcohol content, and disregard the price, you'll find a clean, honest, and delicious Islay malt. The lack of alcohol is somewhat compensated for by the peppery spice. Otherwise, it's a typical refill Islay profile. However, the price of almost 200 euros for the bottle is a joke; comparable Islay wines can be found for significantly less.

Primarily focused on ash and tar. I’d prefer a bit more richness or fruit, but I quite like it. If it leaned more toward ash and smoke, a higher ABV might have suited it. Nose: Lemon, tar, bacon Taste: Ash, ink, pencil lead Finish: Ash and soot

Thin, boring, profileless

The aroma is distinctly peaty, with smoked plums and a generous sweetness of honey and sweet quince. The palate is smoky, with notes of smoked plum, heather honey, smoke, peaches, and sweet oranges. The finish is mineral and smoky, with notes of dried rosehips, dried plums, dried quinces, dried apples, and melon.

Exceptionally light, almost transparent color. Slightly oily.

Very creamy, subtle and elegant Ardbeg. Delicious stuff but unfortunately way too expensive.

Light, slightly straw-colored. Not too oily.

Aroma: Mineral, sweet-smoky, lightly vegetal, with pronounced resin notes, citrus accents, woodiness, and a touch of dessert-like sweetness Taste: In line with the aroma, with pronounced woody notes, resin, sweet campfire smoke, and distant subtle citrus hints, the finish is smoky yet controlled at every stage, fading gracefully Overall Impression: A well-balanced and complex whisky, with its smokiness kept in check and complemented by sweetness and intriguing woody notes, the only slight drawback being the 40% ABV, as a higher strength would enhance the intensity

Made a comparison with the 1997 Version https://fosm.de/ardbeg-17-yo-vergleich-1997-2024/

I also found the nose interesting. Subtle and fruity fresh with a hint of seaweed and heather. On the palate only smoky and very bland. As if a single cask had been watered too much... And the exit was simply gone after seconds... Too bad, given the price...

https://whiskylovingpianist.wordpress.com/2025/10/27/whisky-show-2025-smokin/ C: It’s all been said, regarding price point [£160+] and ABV of this recently re-released classic – none better than from Aqvavitae [I forget which V-Pub]. Whilst I’m pleased to see its return, it’s ok to adapt a classic to suit a contemporary climate. Think of the Mini, the Beetle, the Raleigh Chopper,…. then again! Surely, this should be flying.

Blog on 20 December 2025 on my website: www.longpouramour.com My conclusion: "A great effort, limited by the choice for the 40 % abv, which makes the finish a tad weaker than it should be. But I do love the purity of this production, all on bourbon casks."

The first nose was surprisingly good, but unfortunately, the very thin palate couldn't keep up. After the first sip, there's not much left on the nose, and unfortunately, even less on the palate. Started well but declined significantly.

I haven't tasted the original, but this is a cliffnote on why you shouldn't reduce certain single malts to the minimum alcohol content: Blasda was already a reminder, this just confirms it. It's a shame, because the nose was elegant and complex enough to promise more; the palate seems designed to displease everyone, Ardbeg lovers and non-invasive peat lovers alike.

A soft and light smoky-peaty whisky, even a bit watery in places, but overall well-balanced, not too complex, easy to drink, even with some development, a good Islay, overall, there's not much else to say.

Powdery peat, maybe from slight fruity Little bit oily, nutty, malty. Because of low abv, light finish but quite long.

Scent: Strong peat smoke with cold ash and slightly burnt wood, plus citrus freshness, grapefruit, vanilla, anise and fennel, maritime notes like salt air and a touch of iodine come through, behind it sweet malt, subtle oak and a hint of tar. Taste: A soft start with vanilla cream and malty sweetness, followed by smoke, licorice, anise, and lemon zest, along with white pepper, medicinal notes, a touch of coffee, and charred wood. The aromas are present, but overall rather subtle and not overpowering. Finish: Medium-long, dry and ashy with smoke, oak, cocoa and licorice; a slight bitterness remains on the palate, along with some salty minerality. Conclusion: Solid aromas and typical Ardbeg, but for 17 years old, it lacks intensity and body. The 40% ABV noticeably holds it back. With more alcohol, it would have had significantly more potential.

Light body refreshing Ardbeg. A good Ardbeg but not live up to the price. A better version of Ardbeg Ten. Tasting bottle is available at www.chameleonwhisky.com

A rather nice expression of a new era Ardbegs

It has a medium viscosity and its bouquet is relatively intense. I have aromas of pleasant maritime peat smoke, citrus fruits, vanilla, creme brulee, Ardbeg sweetness and refreshing herbs. Moderately complex. A good balance between sweetness and dryness in terms of taste. The alcohol is very well integrated and it has a relatively heavy body.

Feels like a money grab, isn't it, trying to ride on the reputation of the old 17yo... but here's the joke... the old 17yo ain't all that either. I'm trying this side by side with the old 17yo fwiw.

At least no mistake in this expression, but a complete bust. Weak and a joke given the price.

Gentle peat of smoke-ash-tar; bacons; vanilla and hint of apples. Drinkable and balanced. Longer finish than expected.

The taste and aroma of Ardbeg 10 years aged for 7 more years delicate feet

The nose is incredibly good. And very promising! But you notice that it's watered down to 40% on the palate and finish. And that's a real shame...

We received a glass of this dram at their distillery. I have not tasted the original as irbid very rare. The new version is very well balanced and a good combination of oak and peat. It does not strike as a very punchy whisky but lingers for a long time bringing you to

Quite nice, soft, pleasant, with few rough edges. 71-80 – Fine, like to drink by time

Unfortunately, not a purchase for this price.

Completely unspectacular, simple and arbitrary. It was clear that there should be no comparison with the original, but it is still puzzling how one can write Ardbeg 17 on it - 11.01.2025

Tasted at the London Whisky Show. Lemon, chalk, tar, liquorice, hint of minerals, elegant and precise. However a bit thin, and the finish could be longer.

Overall, a lovely bottling, with a particularly appealing nose. On the palate, however, I somewhat sorely miss the power one usually expects from Ardbeg, and given its 17 years of maturation, I would have liked a bit more complexity. Nevertheless, it's a nice bottle, and a 17-year-old Ardbeg is indeed something special, but I won't be adding a bottle to my collection. The price-to-quality ratio simply isn't quite right for me.