The Old & Rare (OAR) Platinum Selection series is a limited-edition range of single cask bottlings by independent bottlers Douglas Laing. This single malt from the Ardbeg distillery on Islay was distilled in 1975, matured for 29 years and bottled in 2004. Only 255 bottles were produced. Produced in the first year of Ardbeg importing large amounts of malted barley from the mainland, this is a slightly less peatier Ardbeg than one is used to. Non-chillfiltered, naturally coloured and bottled at a natural cask strength of 47.3%
Nose: Cooked apple-skin hits the nose closely followed by a menthol-smokiness. The smoke on the nose is thick and heavy.
Palate: Astonishingly phenolic, peppery and smoky.
Finish: The finish lingers for an age with tobacco smoke and rich fruitiness.
