In April 2012 Ardbeg sent some of its new-make spirit up into space to make Ardbeg the first inter-stellar whisky, so it came as little surprise that in September 2012, at the British Space Centre, the Ardbeg Galileo was LAUNCHED (apologies). All of this marketing aside, it's still pretty damn good, unlike recent Ardbegs the Galileo features an age statement (1999-2012) and contains whisky matured in both ex-Marsala and ex-Bourbon barrels.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed info and/or photos just get in touch!
Pineapple slices and desiccated coconut rocket out of the glass followed by toffee and spice, finally there is a big phenolic launch-pad of peat.
When the Ardbeg smoke clears the first step is salty, before cream and dried apricots land.
The finish is soft and sweet, with earthy smoke swirling about.
This is a fairly sweet Ardbeg and at 49%abv not there strongest offering, however it is as smoky and complex as you could want it. An inter-stellar Ardbeg indeed.
Such a well balanced drink. Lots of pete and smoke that covers the mouth for a while- along with caramel, salt, leather, dried fruit and some sweet pineapple. I don't smoke but after I had a dram, I felt like I had just smoked a fine Cigar. Bravo.
Almost as good as the Uigeadail and that says alot! After the disappointing Ardbog the Galileo restored my faith in Ardbeg. /mike-stockholm-sweden
Overall: pineapple and roasting macadamia nuts. The nose has banana and anise character; the palate, mineral; the finish, dried apricots. Less prominent accents are pine, lemon, salt, caramel. A few months aging improves richness. The Galileo is lighter and less peaty than other Ardbegs. Very good and smooth, but also hard to understand as a 2013 winner.
I bought this for some money i got for christmas, and both it limited edition combined with an affordable price tempted me. I had it standing for 2 months before i took of the seal, to give some of the other attendants to the "Burns night" celebration in Bodoe, Northen Norway. Also one of my friends who doesnt like whisky very much, but still have tasted such as Lagavullin, Glengoyne, Dalwhinnie, Caol ila... He said this by far was the best he had tried and could easily get used to drink this. I still have a little problem with which i like the most: The Galileo or Lagavulin 16..
