Ardbeg 1974 Samaroli Sherry Wood

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.

One of two 1974 vintage Ardbeg produced for Silvano Samaroli. Samaroli is perhaps Italy's most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, and an eye for aesthetics (if not English spelling at times!), he is regarded by many as a visionary. Many of his bottles now occupy deserved spots in the pantheon of whisky greats.

Bottled in 1983 at cask strength after maturing in sherry wood, by long-time business partners R.W. Duthie of Aberdeen. Almost unbelievably, Samaroli reportedly had great difficulty selling this first release in his Ardbeg series. It was not until a few years later that demand for the peaty flavours began to increase in Italy.

One of 2,400 bottles.