Ardbeg Galileo 49% 1999

Distillerie	Ardbeg
Embouteilleur	OB
Serie	Galileo
Mise en bouteille pour
Date de distillation	1999
Date de mise en bouteille	12.06.2012
Pays	Écosse
Région	Islay
Age	12
Cask Type	Ex-Marsala and ex-Bourbon Casks
Numéro de fût	Bottle code L12 163
Alcohol percentage	49
Volume
État	dans son emballage d'origine
Étiquette	Parfait
Stock	0
Volume
État	dans son emballage d'origine
Étiquette	Parfait
Stock	0
Volume
État	dans son emballage d'origine
Étiquette	Parfait
Stock	0

Avis professionnels

Serge Valentin (84)

A rather large proportion of this wide bottling (around 50,000 bottles, it seems) was matured in ex-Marsala casks (30-40%). Marsala is a pretty old-fashioned Sicilian wine, much akin to sherry, that’s more used for cooking these days (in zabaione, tiramisu, various sauces...) It comes as red or white, dry or sweet. I don’t know which kind of Marsala was used for this Ardbeg. Colour: gold. Nose: less ‘Ardbeg’ than the G&M, rather rounder, less coastal for sure but also a little more medicinal. Rubber gloves (haha), then verbena and genepy (aniseed-like herbal notes), touches of tangerines, overripe apples and just a little walnut liqueur. Also ripe plums, quite unusual even in the most sherried old Ardbegs. There’s also quite some vanilla and whiffs of pencil shavings, probably not from some old ‘chateau’ Marsala cask. Anyway, a very nice nose for sure, it may just lack more Ardbegness if you’re into ‘pure’ styles. Mouth: starts a little weirdly, slightly disjointed, between the distillery’s usual sharp and zesty profile and a kind of both candied and dry fruitiness that stays apart (a kind of mixture of plums and bitter almonds). The oak’s also quite loud, with again notes of pencil shavings and heavily infused tea. Becomes more drying after that, kind of greenish (cardamom? Cumin?) Finish: medium long, lemony and green. Green pepper. Slightly sour aftertaste, not unpleasant, with a saltiness. Comments: I really enjoyed the nose but I’m not too fond of the palate. Having said that, it’s probably a fine effort but as far as I’m concerned, I prefer Ardbeg au naturel. SGP:566 - 84 points.
PS: maybe did they use Marsala casks because there’s ‘Mars’ in the name? ;-)

Gal Granov (88)

Nose: nice and smooth with sweet sugared and salted nuts, some fruit too: tangerine and a touch of pineapple. Sweet peat with leather tar and strawberry flavored Bamba (Israelis, you duped know what I’m talking about here). Some plums and date paste. Seaweed. Very nice sweet salty interplay here.

Palate: starts peaty and fruity with orchard fruit , peat and pepper as well as sweet marinated pork belly. Pepper, sweet cinnamon rolls! Quite creamy. There are quite some tannins and burnt sugar / caramel and salty sugared peanuts.

Finish: salty sweet bacon. Tar. Caramel and creamy achy smoky notes.



Conclusion:

This is a tasty dram! Really liked it, especially for the sweet / salty / bamba like flavours, fruitiness, and balance. The peat and wine really work well, it’s not very peaty, and more balanced, with the nose a tad better than the palate, but still a worthy 12 yo Ardbeg which is different than the mainstream Ardbegs. Easy drinking, while preserving the Islay touch.

Words of Whisky (87)

BOW (88)

Title: Ardbeg Galileo: A Cosmic Journey in a Bottle

Introduction

In the vast universe of Scotch whisky, there are only a few celestial bodies that shine as brilliantly as Ardbeg. Known for its mesmerizing peaty and smoky character, the Ardbeg distillery on the Isle of Islay has consistently delivered exceptional single malt whiskies. Among its intriguing lineup, the Ardbeg Galileo is a true gem, a celestial creation that marries the traditions of Scotch whisky with a dash of Italian flair. Distilled in 1999 and bottled on June 12, 2012, after 12 years of maturation, this limited edition whisky takes us on an interstellar voyage through flavor.

The Ardbeg Distillery

Before diving into the cosmic wonder of Ardbeg Galileo, let's take a moment to appreciate the legacy of the Ardbeg distillery. Situated on the rugged southern coast of the Isle of Islay, Ardbeg has a storied history dating back to 1815. Over the years, it has experienced closures, changes in ownership, and a fair share of challenges. Yet, Ardbeg's unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional peated whisky has helped it not only survive but thrive in the modern era.

The 1999 Distillation

The Ardbeg Galileo was born during a period of renewed enthusiasm for the distillery. Distilled in 1999, it was aged for a full 12 years before being bottled in 2012. This extended maturation period allowed the whisky to absorb the rich flavors from the oak casks, creating a complex and harmonious profile.

Tasting Notes

The Ardbeg Galileo is a whisky that truly captures the imagination. Here are some tasting notes to help you understand its essence:

1. Color: Amber with copper highlights, reminiscent of a glowing star in the night sky.

2. Nose: The aroma is a symphony of peat smoke, dark chocolate, and dried fruits. It's as if you're taking in the scent of a distant, mysterious planet.

3. Palate: On the palate, you'll discover a harmonious blend of sweet vanilla, toffee, and a tantalizing mix of spices. The peat smoke is ever-present, providing a robust and earthy foundation.

4. Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with a crescendo of smoky, oaky, and fruity notes that linger like stardust.

The Galileo Difference

What sets the Ardbeg Galileo apart is its unique maturation process. This expression spent its formative years in a combination of ex-Marsala and ex-Bourbon casks. Marsala wine casks, hailing from Italy, infuse the whisky with a touch of Mediterranean elegance, adding layers of complexity to the Islay character.

Only 15,000 bottles of this cosmic elixir were released, making it a prized collector's item. The limited availability and distinctive flavor profile make it a must-try for whisky aficionados who appreciate the art of blending tradition with innovation.

Conclusion

The Ardbeg Galileo is a remarkable testament to the creativity and artistry of the distillery's whisky makers. It combines the raw power of Islay peat with the elegance of Italian Marsala casks, resulting in a flavor journey that's out of this world.

Whether you're a seasoned whisky enthusiast or an aspiring explorer of fine spirits, the Ardbeg Galileo offers an unparalleled experience that will transport you to the cosmos and back. Raise a glass to the stars and savor the celestial delight that is Ardbeg Galileo, a whisky that bridges the gap between Earth and the infinite universe of flavor.