I liked the soft 1978/1997 quite a lot, I think it was the first bottling by new owners Glenmorangie (WF 88). I believe this one was the last sequel. Colour: pale gold. Nose: yes, it’s the gentler side of Ardbeg but it’s still a dry and sooty/smoky whisky, rather more medicinal than all the other ones that we just had. Soot, coal, fresh butter, burnt papers and fresh walnuts. Indeed, not quite the very gentle Ardbeg – which is its reputation – as long as you don’t try it ‘against’ the 1975s and 1977s that were issued around the same time. Mouth: same comments, it’s not as discretely smooth as its reputation suggests. Very good mouth feel, great zestiness, huge smoke (who said this wasn’t smoky?), many herbs, nuts, tar, liquorice, a little pine sap, cough drops (do you know Pulmoll?), shellfish… Clams? Excellent. Finish: right, it’s not too long but very briny and ‘kippery’. Some lemon marmalade. Comments: excellent, really. Maybe I find these vintages even more appealing because they’re vanishing from the market but I feel this one is even better than the 1978/1997

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