Ardbeg 23 Year Old Vintage Y2K Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Ardbeg Vintage Y2K 23 Years is a once-in-a-millennium Islay dram—boldly peated yet unexpectedly elegant. Aged in both bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, this ultra-rare release marries creamy malt, rich sweetness, and coastal smoke into a textured, evocative whisky that marries tradition with modern alchemy

Origins & Legacy

• Distilled in the pivotal year 2000 using a still Ardbeg used for over five decades, this expression was tucked away in casks and only rediscovered much later—making it Ardbeg’s first-ever millennium vintage.

• It was matured in a blend of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, then bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) as a limited edition “Y2K” release.
  

Tasting Notes

Aroma (Nose)
Soft yet compelling—with herbal sweetness, light perfumed smoke, and zesty lemon balm. Subtle notes of linseed oil and candied walnuts emerge, while water uncovers honeyed heather, creosote, and a touch of tent canvas

Palate & Texture
Vivaciously sherbet-like—fizzing on the palate with intense initial sweetness that evolves into layered notes of aniseed, toffee, digestive biscuits, peppermint, menthol, and coffee grits.

Finish
Enduring and rich—Sootytar and antiseptic lozenge flavors linger, before notes of bitter orange and oak tannin settle in with muscular grace.

Highlights at a Glance

Story & Commentary

The Vintage Y2K series marks Ardbeg’s bold embrace of its rebirth era—this inaugural vintage reflects a spirit distilled in the dawn of the new millennium using a historic still, then laid down in top-tier casks to age dramatically over two decades.

" Distilled in Ardbeg’s historic still that was retired in 2001 after 51 years of service, this vintage has a sweet and zesty nose with coal soot, honey-lemon lozenges, Peppermint Pattie, and traces of black licorice. Silky smooth on the tongue, with sweet vanilla, lemon, peppermint creams, doughnut custard, ashy peat smoke, and orange pith, with creamy coffee, aniseed, and vanilla on the finish. No water needed." Jonny McCormick for the Whisky Advocate, 94 Points

The Millennium Spirit

"On the dawn of the year 2000, the millennium bug threatened the world's data, causing widespread panic. We looked to take stock. Stored on Ardbeg's system of ledgers, floppies, and antiquated servers were records for every last barrel on site. 

It was inevitable something, somewhere was going to get overlooked.

And sure enough, a handful of casks were inexplicably sent to a distant warehouse.

Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K is an ultra-rare whisky matured in obscurity for 23 years until it was finally recovered. This limited edition is the first release of this millennium spirit. "

"Whisky can slip through the net from time to time, but never quite like this"
Dr Bill Lumsden