[February, 2004]  I had another dram during the 5th Anniversary Tasting of MaRa at Limburg.

In my old rating system (ten scales that translate into WB points: 50 - 66 - 75 - 80 - 82,5 - 85 - 87,5 - 90 - 92,5 - 95) I scored it 95+.  My notes state an extreme peaty profile with smoky, fruity, sweet and salty aromas.  The mouthfeel is bold and coating.  The finish is long and adds grilled bacon to the mix.  I noted its taste is comparable to the legendary Kingsbury Ardbeg 1974 (WB id 1526) with additional heavy sherry flavours.  I wrote the word "perfect!".

The line-up of this tasting was absolutely stunning:

- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/20560/bowmore-25-year-old
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/1222/tamnavulin-1966-forrester
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/81686/highland-park-1956
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/17254/macallan-1958
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/37427/talisker-12-year-old
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/14320/springbank-1966-private-bottling
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/1290/ardbeg-1976-cask-2396
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/28465/ben-nevis-1966
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/7297/bowmore-1956
- https://www.whiskybase.com/whisky/764/ardbeg-ten-cask-strength

Yes, this was flabbergasting even by the high standards of the early 2000's...

[November, 2002]  I had this dram during a Prof. Schobert "Islay" tasting at Rolandsbogen.

In my old rating system (ten scales that translate into WB points: 50 - 66 - 75 - 80 - 82,5 - 85 - 87,5 - 90 - 92,5 - 95) I scored this 95.  My notes state a very dark colour and a few slow legs (oily texture at the glass).  The nose is all about beautiful sherry-induced aromas.  The mouthfeel is smooth, rounded and warming.  On the palate there are sweet, nutty, peaty and smoky flavours.  The finish is long and delicious.

Tasted at Dornoch Castle Whisky bar. February 2018.

This one is much more sour than cask #2397. Still a phenomenal Ardbeg its much more fishy, oyster like and salty. Cooked red fruits are in there but I prefer #2397's superior balance.

This Whisky was sold for 1.105 € at Whiskyauction in Jan. 2015

A spectacular whisky, incredibly complex and unique. One of the top 20 Ardbeg bottles I`d dare to say, but needs  A LOT of time to settle and develop. Just then,the magic begins