Ardbeg 1994/2004 Connoisseurs Choice 10 years old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 40%

An independent bottling from one of the whisky world's oldest and most respected bottlers, a world apart from Ardbeg's own labels.

Expert Review

Ardbeg 1994/2004 Connoisseurs Choice 10 Year Old is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled by Gordon & MacPhail at 40%.

Connoisseurs Choice is Gordon & MacPhail's classic series of independent bottlings, where the whisky is distilled at the named distillery but selected and bottled by the bottler itself. This release was distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2004 after 10 years of maturation, giving a different expression than Ardbeg's own official releases.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Classic Islay peat at a calmer, more restrained pace than the more powerful official bottlings, with a light maritime freshness.

Palate

Gentle smoke and peat balanced by a dry, malt-forward sweetness, characteristic of Gordon & MacPhail's style.

Finish

Mild and dry, with a lingering smoky finish.

Specifications

Name: Ardbeg 1994/2004 Connoisseurs Choice
Distillery: Ardbeg
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 10 years
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Distilled: 1994
Bottled: 2004
Edition: Connoisseurs Choice
EAN no.: 5020613151321

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Malty · Mild · Classic

Did You Know?

Gordon & MacPhail started as a grocery shop in Elgin in 1895 and is today one of Scotland's oldest and most respected independent bottlers, with warehouses stretching back decades.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ardbeg 1994/2004 Connoisseurs Choice

What is a Connoisseurs Choice release?

It's Gordon & MacPhail's classic series of independent bottlings, where the whisky is distilled at the named distillery but selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail themselves.

Why does it taste different from Ardbeg's own releases?

Independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail often choose different casks and a lower bottling strength than the distillery's own official bottlings, giving a milder, more malt-forward expression.

Is Ardbeg 1994/2004 Connoisseurs Choice worth it?

As a 10-year-old independent bottling from a respected house like Gordon & MacPhail, it's interesting to the collector who wants to taste Ardbeg from a different angle than the official releases.

What does 1994/2004 mean in the name?

It indicates that the whisky was distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2004, after 10 years of maturation.

Should it be drunk neat or with water?

It works well neat, but a drop of water can open the malted notes further.

Which glass suits it best?

A tulip-shaped whisky glass lets the milder smoke notes unfold gently.

What defines Gordon & MacPhail as a bottler?

They're one of Scotland's oldest independent bottlers, known for holding large, well-matured stocks of whisky from many different distilleries.