Ardbeg Still Young 1998/2006 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 56,2%

Eight years on cask, yet far from tame, a whisky that insists on staying young and untamed.

Expert Review

Ardbeg Still Young 1998/2006 is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled in 1998, bottled in 2006 after 8 years of maturation, non-chill filtered at 56.2%.

The name Still Young is the distillery's own comment on the fact that, despite its age, the whisky still behaves like a young, raw Ardbeg, with all the intensity that entails.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Raw peat and a distinct youthful sharpness, underpinned by a light sweetness from the casks.

Palate

Intense smoke and a marked phenolic edge, direct and uncompromising in the style of the distillery's younger releases.

Finish

Long and smoky, with a lasting dryness that ties it all together.

Specifications

Name: Ardbeg Still Young
Distillery: Ardbeg
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 8 years
ABV: 56.2%
Size: 70 CL
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Distilled: 1998
Bottled: 2006
Edition: Still Young
EAN no.: 5010494277630

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Young and raw · Cask strength-led · Intense

Investment Potential

Medium. As a discontinued vintage bottling from the late 1990s, non-chill filtered and at high strength, Still Young typically appeals to collectors following Ardbeg's early vintages after the 1997 reopening.

Did You Know?

The name Still Young is the distillery's way of underlining that, even after 8 years on cask, the whisky insists on tasting young, raw and untamed.

See our full range of Ardbeg

Listen to our podcast:

Frequently Asked Questions about Ardbeg Still Young 1998/2006

What does the name Still Young mean?

It refers to the fact that despite 8 years on cask, the whisky still tastes young and raw, with all the intensity associated with Ardbeg's younger releases.

How old is Ardbeg Still Young?

It was distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2006, giving 8 years of maturation.

Is Ardbeg Still Young worth it?

As a non-chill filtered vintage bottling from Ardbeg's early years after the 1997 reopening, at high cask strength, it's interesting to the collector of older bottlings.

How powerful is it?

It's bottled at 56.2% without chill filtration, making it one of the more powerful releases in this line-up.

Should it be drunk neat or with water?

Try it neat first to experience the full strength, and add 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 raw peat notes unfold.

What defines Ardbeg's late-1990s releases?

They come from the period right after the distillery's 1997 reopening and are regarded by many collectors as especially interesting for their raw, unfiltered style.