Ardbeg 1974 Flying Turf Cask No. 3306

Ardbeg 1974 Flying Turf
Flight no. 2
Bourbon Hogshead 52,2 % vol.
Cask no. 3306
Distilled 12.07.1974
Bottled 31.08.2006
No. of bottles 126
Unchill filtered – Natural Colour

Colour: Deep amber.

Aroma: Initially the top notes are medicinal lozenges and menthol combined with the sweetness of mint humbugs, then aromas of intense lime fruitiness and lemon sherbet prickles the nose. Soft ripe figs and also melon can just be detected, along with a hint of sea spray and smoky treacle toffee in the background.
The addition of water releases beeswax and honeycomb cut through with more lime, now more lime cordial and also grapefruit halves dusted with icing sugar. Sherbet, citrus peel marmalade and gooseberries are then discovered along with blackcurrant bushes as the subtle background hints change to aromatic wood smoke.

Taste: Rich and fruity; all the citrus fruits found on the nose appear on the palate wrapped in gentle peat smoke; reminiscent of slightly charred toast spread with mixed breakfast marmalade and fruit dipped in dark bitter chocolate. Deep flavours of liquorice, glace cherries and rich roasted coffee beans emerge late with Islay notes of menthol and just a hint of tobacco.

Finish: Long and chewy as the background smoke lingers with predominant citrus flavours and hints of liquorice.

Tasting notes by: Dr. W B Lumsden – Master Distiller.