Ardbeg has a reputation for bold, peaty whiskies that command the attention of enthusiasts worldwide. Among its most talked-about expressions is the Ardbeg 17 Year Old – a whisky that first appeared in the late 1990s, disappeared in 2004, and then returned in 2024 thanks to the passion of the Ardbeg Committee.
This review explores the background of the Ardbeg 17, its revival, and of course, my tasting notes.
Competition: Australia’s Biggest Ardbeg Fan
To celebrate 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee, Ardbeg is running The Search for Australia’s Biggest Ardbeg Fan.
Two lucky winners will each receive:
- Two Premium Economy flights to Islay, Scotland (May 2026)
- A three-night stay at the brand-new Ardbeg House
- Full tour of the Ardbeg Distillery
To enter, simply join the Ardbeg Committee (if you’re not already a member) and submit a short photo or video that shows off your passion for the brand. Entries close 30 November 2025.
The Origins of Ardbeg 17
To understand the significance of the 17 Year Old, we need to go back to the 1980s. At that time, Ardbeg was mostly silent, only occasionally firing up the stills to produce whisky destined for blends or independent bottlings. Despite this limited production, the whisky they made remained highly regarded, with whisky writer Jim Murray even describing Ardbeg as “the greatest distillery on earth.”
When Glenmorangie purchased Ardbeg in 1997, they invested heavily in rebuilding the distillery. Among their first releases was the Ardbeg 17 Year Old. Because of limited stock from the 1980s, this whisky was created using both peated and unpeated spirit, bottled at 40% ABV, and chill filtered. It didn’t hit quite as hard as the distillery’s better-known expressions, but it was still warmly received as a more delicate, approachable take on Ardbeg.
By 2004, dwindling stocks forced Ardbeg to discontinue the 17. However, with the establishment of the Ardbeg Committee in 2000, fans rallied for its return. Two decades later, their calls were answered. In 2024, Ardbeg re-released the 17 Year Old as a Committee Exclusive bottling, ensuring those who had lobbied hardest for its revival would be the first to enjoy it.
Tasting Notes – Ardbeg 17
On the nose, the Ardbeg 17 greets you with soft, dry peat smoke balanced by honeyed sweetness and hints of sea breeze. It’s lighter in colour than you might expect for a 17-year-old whisky aged in ex-bourbon casks, but the aroma makes up for it – smoky yet restrained, with vanilla and honey weaving through.
The palate is light and approachable. That familiar campfire-style Ardbeg smoke is still there, but softened by creamy sweetness, honey, and vanilla. There’s a faint touch of iodine, though it’s far more delicate than the punchy character of the Ardbeg Ten. The mouthfeel is somewhat leaner due to chill filtration, but the flavours remain balanced.
The finish is surprisingly long for such an easy-drinking whisky. Soft oak and earthy notes linger, carried along by the gentle smoke. It’s a dram that manages to be unmistakably Ardbeg without overwhelming the senses.
Final Thoughts
The Ardbeg 17 is a whisky that embodies nostalgia while offering something distinctly different within the Ardbeg lineup. It’s lighter, more approachable, and a great entry point for those curious about peated whiskies but hesitant about their intensity. While it’s not going to hit the same full bodied mark as younger, un-chill filtered releases, long-time fans should appreciate its balance and history.