Ardbeg Renaissance 1998/2008 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 55.9%

A distillery's rebirth told in a single glass, the culmination of a journey that began with a shuttered distillery and ended in one of Islay's most loved names.

Note: There is minor wear on the box.

Expert Review

Ardbeg Renaissance 1998/2008 is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled in 1998, bottled in 2008 after 10 years of maturation in ex-bourbon casks, non-chill filtered at cask strength, 55.9%.

The whisky marks the distillery's rebirth following its reopening in the late 1990s and was released as the culmination of the "Path to Peaty Maturity" series. Today it stands as a collector favourite and an icon of modern Ardbeg history.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Bold smoke meets a fresh sea breeze, citrus and spiced sweetness from the bourbon casks.

Palate

Full and complex with layers of peat, pepper, salted caramel and ripe fruit.

Finish

Long, lingering and intense, with a finely tuned balance of smoke, spice and sweetness.

Specifications

Name: Ardbeg Renaissance
Distillery: Ardbeg
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 10 years
ABV: 55.9%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-bourbon casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Distilled: 1998
Bottled: 2008
Edition: Path to Peaty Maturity – Renaissance
EAN no.: 5010494294286

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Salty · Spiced · Fruity

Investment Potential

Medium. As the culmination of a historically important series for Ardbeg, at cask strength and non-chill filtered, Renaissance is regarded by many as one of the most significant releases in the distillery's modern history.

Did You Know?

Renaissance was the final and most anticipated release in the "Path to Peaty Maturity" series, which followed Ardbeg's whisky year by year from the reopening until it reached its full potential.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ardbeg Renaissance 1998/2008

What does the name Renaissance mean?

It marks the distillery's rebirth following its reopening in the late 1990s and was the culmination of the "Path to Peaty Maturity" series.

Why is Renaissance an important release for Ardbeg collectors?

Many regard it as an icon of modern Ardbeg history, telling the story of the distillery's return after an uncertain period of closure and changing ownership.

Is Ardbeg Renaissance worth it?

With its historical significance, cask strength and status as the series' culmination, it's an obvious purchase for any serious Ardbeg collector.

What does the box say?

The box carries minor wear from storage, while the bottle and the whisky inside remain unaffected.

Should Renaissance be drunk neat or with water?

Try it neat first to experience the full cask strength, and add only a drop of water if you'd prefer a softer experience.

Which glass suits it best?

A tulip-shaped whisky glass handles the high strength well and lets the citrus and smoke notes unfold.

What was "Path to Peaty Maturity"?

It was a series of releases that followed Ardbeg's whisky through its maturation process after the reopening, with Renaissance as the series' final and most complete expression.