Ardbeg 25 yo 1975 Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask 702 bottles 50% vs Ardbeg 24 yo 1975 Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask 234 bottles 50%

Ardbeg 25 yo 1975 Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask 702 bottles 50%

Firmly in the 70s Ardbeg style. A precise peat, bullets of oily earth, a thin blade of sodium chloride, salted lemon rinds, fresh bracing sea spray, lanolin, newly opened petrol cans and coal smoke. These were not lush whiskies but chiselled statues powerfully poised. That being said this one tends towards a muddy seawater and masses of oily, tarry phenolics instead of a pure austerity. Amazing years at Ardbeg. 91 pts

Ardbeg 24 yo 1975 Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask 234 bottles 50%

We’re gazing at the same statue, save that this one seems to be more salty and somewhat more acrid smoke on the nose. Again love this laser cut earth and stilettos of minerals. Rafts of petrochemicals. And a touch more herbaceousness on the tongue with dried kelp, mustard leaf and myrtle. plus acrid smoke again. Absolutely overtaking and evocative. Another dream of a whisky. 91 pts