Well I have not been on here for a long long time so thought I would come back with a bang! Oh so many puns. Anyway I got the chance to the Ardbeg Double Barrel 1974. I was quite excited but I think I may have been put off a bit by the price. I have a small sample of each of them left so will try them again and see if I change my opinion. So here goes
Ardbeg 1974 Cask 3528 44.3%
Nose: initially very fruity, before the smoke grabs you. But then it disappears and becomes softer, smoked cheese maybe? Very soft tropical fruits.
Taste: Big wet ash hits you, some soft lime notes and a salty creaminess.
Finish: Lots of smoked cheese, a whiff of oil and pancetta
Comment a bloody good dram although a little one dimensional, I feel a little let down buy this due to the cost.
Score 88/100
Ardbeg 1974 Cask 3160 49%
Nose: Softer on the nose than the other cask. A creamy white chocolate note, gooseberries, and soft dull peat smoke.
Taste: Bigger on the taste, much more smokey and drier and with a hint of green chillies mixed with lime. Also soft custard creams.
Finish: long – bloody long, very industrial harbour and very dry. Also a faint hint of oranges.
Comment: Again a bloody good dram with a bit more to it than cask 3160
Score 89/100
