The team behind Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky have shared the second ultra-rare release in its millennium vintage series: the delicately nutty and smoky Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 24 Years Old.
Created at a pivotal moment in Ardbeg’s story, this highly limited bottling comprises some of the first Ardbeg ever finished in Amontillado sherry casks.
The year 2000 will go down in Islay history for many reasons. It was, of course, the era of the elusive millennium bug, which sparked fears of computerised chaos across the island and the world at large. But it also marked a new beginning at Ardbeg.
Since being saved from extinction in 1997, the distillery had been renovated and meticulously restored. And in 2000, it finally returned to full production.
Created that year, each of the whiskies in Ardbeg’s Vintage_Y2K series is a smoky anomaly. They mark the malt’s revival by uniting unique spirit from the distillery’s historic 51-year-old still (revered for its long service before being retired in 2001) with whisky-making techniques new to Ardbeg.
To celebrate that throwback spirit in the series’ second release, Ardbeg’s director of whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, was inspired to experiment with his favourite sherry casks.
Therefore Dr Bill finished a parcel of that millennium stock in hand-selected Amontillado casks – a first for Ardbeg.
Combined with classic, bourbon-aged Ardbeg, the sherry casks showcase the exceptionally delicate whisky, filled with notes of creamy toffee, almonds and tobacco.
A year older and even more limited than the series’ first Vintage_Y2K release, the 24 Years Old bottling promises to be highly sought-after by collectors of Ardbeg. The whisky’s custom ABV of 47.8% has been especially selected to enhance its smoky flavours.
Dr Bill said: “The ultra-rare whiskies of our Vintage_Y2K series are hugely precious, since they mark the start of a new generation of Ardbeg. Older and even rarer than its predecessor, the 24 Years Old is a real treat for Ardbeg super-fans.
“Distilled in Ardbeg’s historic still, its spirit is some of the last created before it was retired. And while Amontillado sherry is an all-time favourite of mine, we have not used them before to finish an Ardbeg.
"Combined with classic Ardbeg, their wood creates a sublimely delicate whisky. Sherried notes of toffee and nuts meet bonfire embers and coal tar soap, with an edge of menthol. A fitting celebration of Ardbeg’s rebirth.”
The Ardbeg history books recorded another significant development at the distillery in the millennium. As a few dedicated fans hatched a plan to ensure the distillery’s doors never closed again, the Ardbeg Committee was born.
A quarter-century later, that loyal fanbase is an Ardbeg institution, spanning more than 140 countries and 200,000 strong. The Committee is free to join at online.
Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 24 Years Old was recognised with a Double Gold award at the International Spirits Challenge 2024 and is available to buy now priced at £680.
