Whiskybase

Ardbeg Galileo

Overall rating
87.27/100
votes
1037
Whiskybase ID
WB34525
Category
Single Malt
Distillery
Bottler
Distillery Bottling
Vintage
1999
Bottled
12.06.2012
Calculated age
12 years old
Casktype
ex-Marsala and ex-Bourbon Casks
Number of bottles
15000
Strength
49.0 % Vol.
Size
50 ml 700 ml 750 ml 4500 ml
Bottle code
L12 163
Barcode
5010494911817
Added on
15 aug 2012 11:24 am
UncoloredNon-chillfiltered
Ardbeg Galileo
Photo by Whiskybase Shop
Ardbeg Galileo
Photo by Whiskybase Shop
Ardbeg Galileo
Photo by Whiskybase Shop
Ardbeg Galileo
Photo by brandyhill
Ardbeg Galileo
Photo by brandyhill

Average value

€ 460.97

Found 34 online shops. Lowest price:

€ 325.00
fr La Maison du Whisky € 395.00
gb Hard To Find Whisky £ 499.95
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Whisky Reviews for Ardbeg Galileo

127 users have left a review for this whisky and scored it an average of 87.27 points

  1. hs305 scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    [October, 2012]  I had this dram during a Prof. Schobert "Islay" tasting at Bonn.

    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 87,5.  My notes state I would have scored it 90 points without these slight unpleasant sulphurous notes.  Nevertheless I bought a bottle.

  2. didi1893 scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    Usually Ardbeg absolutely does not match my prey scheme and this Galileo really inspires me. Powerful peat and voluminous smoke are tamed by sweet grapes and creamy milk chocolate. I don't lose a lot of words: tastes great, I'm impressed!

    23/22/23/22 (90P)
    • Nose
      Cloudy amber rests in the glass, on the glass wall of my Premium Snifter occasionally oily and syrupy "legs" pull their tracks back into the glass. Sweet smoke aroma rises slightly ashy, dry logs catch fire while sweet grapes and berries exude their lovely aroma. Little by little, wonderfully soft peat and caramel come into their own, malty aromas of cereal rise, citrus fruits fall into creamy milk chocolate. The nose changes constantly between bewitchingly fruity sweetness and smoky campfire, wonderful!
    • Taste
      The Galileo flows over the tongue in a smoky and peaty manner, at the same time biting sharpness and dark smoke set in. Wooden spiciness mixes with pepper and salt, ash and embers dissolve from burnt wood aromas, citrus fruits wrapped in bacon are grilled while a greasy film is laid gently over the tongue. Old walnuts rest on the tongue, plump warmth floods the palate, after a few moments whole milk chocolate and roasted malt melt with caramel and toffee. There is minimal abrasion from orange peel and zest from sour grapefruit. Smoky peat surrounds the tongue, fly ash settles on the palate, warm and cozy blurring taste and aftertaste.
    • Finish
      Suddenly my salivation starts. Warm smoke and old wooden elements still stick to the palate, sweet grapes and berries stick to the cheeks, whole milk chocolate melts under the tongue. A few drops of lemon juice drip on the tongue, the incredibly voluminous warmth does not fade away. Walnuts and peat are remembered for a long time.

  3. whiskyinstitut scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    That's exactly how I like Ardbeg. Delicious
    • Nose
      Restrained Ardbeg smoke, very ashy and sweet, accompanied by wine barrels, sweet grapes, milk chocolate, cotton candy, light roasted aromas, roasted almonds
    • Taste
      Short sweet grapes, then takes the subtle smoke, beautiful creamy with light peppery, very light oak
    • Finish
      Aromatic peat smoke with oak flavor and the sweetness sticking to the palate

  4. SAND scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    (Tasted blind)
    APPEARANCE: Deep golden/bronze colour.
    NOSE: Islay peat! Quite sweet peat smoke, something medicinal, Laphroaig? (87p) Opens up more with water and becomes sweeter (88p)
    TASTE: Some juniper, sweet smoke but not much citrus or medicinal. With water; a bit more oily and sweet. (87-88p)
    FINISH: Dry, smoky and long. (87-88p)
    OVERALL: Total score 87 points.

  5. Robinzon25 scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    I liked Galileo, there is nothing special about him, but he is a very nice and well-tailored molt.
    • Nose
      Spicy, perfumery and certainly smoky. Tar, sole, tires, laundry soap, sprouted potatoes. The moist oceanic air is adjacent to the smell of Moroccan spices, dried fruits and genuine leather.
    • Taste
      Brackish, smoky enough with notes of bread and tropical fruits
    • Finish
      Medium duration. At first there was a lot of fragrant thick smoke, then vanilla and linden honey replaced it. In the end, pleasant echoes of brown bread and hot smoked mackerel remain in the mouth.

  6. ASWhisky scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    This Ardbeg is not for nothing my soul-teaser whisky
    dangerously pleasant and delicious to drink
    my beloved tension is limited
    just a soulmaker for smoke lovers

    I touched the sky
    • Nose
      mild sherry, fine peat smoke, citrus aromas, caramel, sweaty leather, smoked bacon rind
    • Taste
      soft, cool sweetness that warms the palate, liquid chocolate with bacon
      Malty sweet peat that smokes in the throat, roasted coffee beans in chocolate, peat smoke and again malt sweetness
    • Finish
      long and pleasant
      Wood, a slight tobacco note, a lot of malty sweetness, salt, smoked bacon, brine

  7. Echson scored this whisky 88 points Expert Junior

    Fiery at the beginning but then they come, the many aromas
    There is something for everyone from spices to chocolate
    Very well done
    • Nose
      complex
      Well integrated alcohol
      Lots of spices, chocolate, smoke
    • Taste
      After a sharp start, the aromas explode
      This is how an Ardbeg should taste
    • Finish
      Long, very long and will be fondly remembered

  8. The_Osprey scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    "Ardbeg Galileo 1999-2012" 49%. At Coyote Whisky Bar, Glasgow in April 2019. Aroma is woody, soft sherry, apple. Taste is woody, lovely lingering peat, juicy fruited tropical notes, softest buttery bourbon toffee and fudge, very nicely balanced between the different casks. Spiced woody finish. Salty, oily and robust peatiness builds to an overpowering crescendo. Very tasty and all the aspects come together nicely although it does have a rough edge that numbs the mouth over time reducing the perception of complexity. Definitely a slow contemplation whisky that you need to spend time over

  9. Archer scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    The ex-Marsala Casks and the Ardbeg DNA harmonize perfectly here, fruit aromas and smoke complement each other perfectly - and the lack of buckling in the finish is extremely pleasing.
    • Nose
      89 89
      Fruity nose: berries, grapes, black cherries. A fine herbal vapor, not too intense, not too fluffy. Mild smoke, not intrusive, only as a companion to the fruit.
    • Taste
      90 90
      Soft and creamy with an initial dryness. Ashy smoke mixed with sweet grapes, blackberries, raspberries. Dry, cracked leather, dusty oak floorboards. Harvested grain. Hazelnut chocolate. Brings an intense aroma mixture to the tongue. Doesn't get much drier than at the beginning, only mild herbs.
    • Finish
      89 89
      Medium to long with sweet berries, grapes, raisins, nougat, marzipan, pepper.

  10. face scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      89 89

  11. mothers_finest scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    With 860 Member Ratings, I probably do not need to contribute my mustard in full. But in short, for me one of the best Ardbeg special releases. Find it even better than the acclaimed SN09 SN10, and the alligator anyway, which seemed far too immature (spicy). I still drink Galileo regularly. I like how harmonious the malt is. Has no subjective false notes and the interaction sweet and greasy smoke fits and I like it!

    (So why "only" 89 points?) I think that's (albeit a bit unfair) due to the smoky character, and I find it hard to hear a similar complexity in smoky whiskys as in non-smoky ones, so forgive the smoke a bit far the youth of a malth, but holds one (or me) tastes behind the facade.)

  12. schengel10 scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    ... and again a Ardbeg with age! This 12-year-old was allowed to mature in Marsala barrels and enchanted the experts in 2012.
    A top malt!
    [Color gold;
    • Nose
      Ardbeg nose, sweet smoke, behind red fruits, oak;
    • Taste
      mild onset, powerfully swelling, (ham) smoke, sweetness, fruity grapes, plums, tingling, warming, a lot of spicy oak;
    • Finish
      medium length finish; sweet smoke sounds long after;

  13. LiquidThoughts scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    A very drinkable Ardbeg, the honey note is doing well, I like it.
    • Nose
      The most restrained Ardbeg I've ever had, finest Ardbeg peat only, you can tell right from the delicate sweetness of Marsala barrels, beautiful medium dark honey, some white chocolate and cotton candy, a little young leather, a little smoked ham, a little grilled mango and smoky peanuts
    • Taste
      Hm, interesting start, one has a short rest, then comes out here clearly the Ardbeg smoke, but still very towards smoked ham, only a bit old peat swings with typical, salty peanuts, algae chips, but also sweet honey, almonds, vanilla , now older, tanned leather, a few coffee beans, sweet malt and vllt. a touch of grilled mango, but eigtl., nothing fruity here
    • Finish
      Sweet herbal honey, fine ashes, some smoked ham, dry oak, coffee, medium to long, the smoke of course stays awhile

  14. St. Pauli scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    A good whisky, no doubt about this. At current prices, I would skip this one and fetch an Uigeadail instead.
    • Nose
      It's quite a mellow nose for an Ardbeg. It's not as briny as it can be. Actually, it's more on dry smoke (bonfire). Next, there are some anchovies, but within boundaries. It's ashy, sooty, with some earthy elements of licorice and gentian. The combination of sherry sweetness and acidity fits perfectly here. 
    • Taste
      Rather oily, medium salty, with only gentle smoke. The anchovies get louder, along with salted (and smoked) almonds, cured ham, lime juice (yes, still) and only a hint of fruit. Later, there is some tobacco too. 
    • Finish
      Moderate, leaving a combination of only a little sweetness, but mostly sherry influenced acidity and a tannic mouthfeel. Smoked and roasted almonds dominate, together with spice, dry sherry, and pepper. 

  15. The Macallan scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    A quick note made on 30-05-2015 at Ardbeg Day

    Rich, lovely sherry notes, gentle, smokey and a very pleasant finish.

    Quite stunning.

  16. Edwin de Lange scored this whisky 95 points Expert Senior

    And maybe all whisky will be matured in space after this project.

  17. EvilAFI scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    While I like this, it’s really not super interesting or worth getting at secondary (yes we all know the core range is a great price/value ratio), nice finish and a bit more subtle which is a welcome change up.
    • Nose
      87 87
      Softer than standard Ardbeg peat, sweet tinned fruit cup, oak, vanilla
    • Taste
      88 88
      Again softer entry, then it builds with flavors of sweet over ripe melon and pineapple, light spice and a nice oak bite
    • Finish
      89 89
      Peat is most bold as you exhale, ashy and dirty now, the sweet fruit cup lingers and oddly now I get watermelon joining the fruit party. Lingers nicely

  18. olegborgol scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    soft sweet smoke, fruit, salted caramel, ash and pepper. Light oak notes. 22.5-22-21.5-22
    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      87 87

  19. zzqfyl scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      87 87

  20. ailean scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      92 92
    • Finish
      91 91

  21. yarikovsky scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      87 87

  22. Igor_Gudimov scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    Uneven - great nose, very nice taste and slightly disappointing finish
    • Nose
      92 92
      Fried bacon, sweet coal ash, caramel, milk chocolate, smoky cola, hazelnuts, smoky strawberries or raspberries fruits
    • Taste
      88 88
      Bonfire ash smoke, caramel, brown sugar glazed roast, black pepper, creamy and oaky
    • Finish
      86 86
      Long, dry and sweet, caramel, ashy, bitter oak and sour peat

  23. Kensay scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
      Dry and spicy, fish on fire, citrus fruits
    • Taste
      88 88
      Sweet dried fruits with spices, prunes in smoke, alcohol is perfectly integrated
    • Finish
      89 89
      Dry, sweet, prunes, old sherry, sea salt

  24. DimiIkon scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    Tasting: November 2021
    • Nose
      Green sweet grape, balanced smoke, citrus, dry birch wood and a saltiness. The peat is sweet and discreet.
    • Taste
      Creamy, sweetness and sweet grapes. Full of pepper, saltiness and dry wood smoke. The vanilla the presents itself together with nuts, chocolate and some toffee.
    • Finish
      Roasted spices, almost burnt. Again sweet grape, pepper and salt. A little bitterness in the background, but also dry smoke.

  25. Dris scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      88 88

  26. Paulsen scored this whisky 88 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      85 85

  27. Totoro scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      87 87

  28. Ficelli scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      89 89

  29. etwa77 scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    as i have come late to the (tasting) party of this Ardbeg.. i give up writing my own thoughts and just enjoy reading the others’.. what a lovely collection of notes.. and leaving marks aside and a few odd balls.. it looks like everyone is enjoying this sweet, ashy, oily, fruity, creamy side of Ardbeg.. the beast has been tamed, we can pet her..!

  30. robbert88 scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

  31. lucero scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      86 86

  32. Whisky-Fancier scored this whisky 93 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      93 93
    • Taste
      94 94
    • Finish
      93 93

  33. ThinLizzy scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      88 88

  34. matt.schwarz scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      88 88

  35. Paedi75 scored this whisky 88 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      89 89

  36. el Gato scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      87 87
      A bit dirty in The start, then more refined. Salt, lemons, ginger, hint of tar. liquerice. Big on bananas, soft peat.
    • Taste
      86 86
      S; more peat compared to The nose at first. Then softens. Bananas of course. Salty, minerals, citrus, pepper.
    • Finish
      85 85
      medium long. Bananas. Liquerice. Ammonia, Sweetness, spices. A bit more bitter with time.

  37. Lu Cifer scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    Aroma:
    after the nose has got used to the smoke:
    pleasant with light smoke, vanilla, sweetish and slightly fruity, also light citrus fruit notes, awesome!

    Taste:
    smoky, spicy, sweet, a touch salty, first cool then burning and tingling with oak and spices, now sweetish-tart, full, oily and engaging and warming.

    Departure:
    smoky and spicy, sweetish, hint of astringent, sweetish-tart, oak.
    With ash and a little salt liquorice, a hint of citrus fruits, long finish. At the end, slightly sweet with ash.
    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      90 90

  38. ConvalRen scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      88 88

  39. Iron133 scored this whisky 86 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      85 85

  40. Stanzeflasche scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    First the fruity influence of marsala barrels, with candied cherry, currants, blackcurrant, cinnamon, star anise, then the peat rises, filthy, rocky, oiled. The marriage takes place after a short struggle. Finally an iodized freshness, with however a thicker and earthy peat. At the end, the marsala is discreet, but it is reborn in the mouth, almost winey, thick and tasty, muscat grapes, cranberry juice, then the spices rise. We have a very long finish, quite deep, caramel, red fruits and cumin.

    https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2020/06/ardbeg-galileo-12-yo.html
    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      89 89

  41. YosemiteSam scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    It is a beautifully created Ardbeg. The finish on a Marsala wine barrel works very well.
    • Nose
      88 88
      Natural, soot and tar, bacon! caramel, ripe tropical fruits such as banana and mango. Delicious!
    • Taste
      87 87
      Roasted coffee beans, chocolate, fudge, again bacon, sweet, ripe banana, spicy. Lots of smoke!
    • Finish
      87 87
      A long smoky finish. Bacon is again emphatically present here. A delicious tobacco note!

  42. Ainulindale scored this whisky 88 points Member Senior

    A good dram, very Ardbeg.
    • Nose
      86 86
      Very fresh and salty nose. Kind of sweet and fruity too. Fleshy fruits, peach notably.
    • Taste
      90 90
      Peat comes strong in the mouth in the very ardbeg way . After that an intense fruity, peachy and milk chocolatey thing comes through slowly drifting first to cinnamon and ginger then to rosebuds.
    • Finish
      87 87
      The finish is very mild yet leaves a pleasant taste or smoke and roses.

  43. WhiskyLovingPianist scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    https://whiskylovingpianist.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/feis-ile-2018-ardbeg-day/

    C: Fruity & winey. Good nose and arrival (87/88), with an unexpected short iffy finish. 84 overall.
    Previous conclusion [b4 I knew anything - scored a B] Ardbeg Ten meets like Talisker 57° - very active and sparky. Nothing wrong here, but nothing incredible. Should be an everyday drinker but due to its 'collection' status and subsequent price tag, this wont be in my cabinet.

  44. rolabob scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      88 88

  45. alex..w..fan scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    22 21 21 21

  46. toklian scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    N22 P21 F22 N21

  47. ovanpuyvelde scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    Tasted at the Celtic Whisky Shop in Killarney, Ireland.
    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      87 87

  48. Gris scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    With this whisky, Ardbeg has tried some experiment on Earth too but I am a little divided with its result. This is not unpleasant, they have the merit of having tried a new approach and to propose something different, but I still prefer their “classics” that are more spiky. And it’s a guy who’s not really fond of peat saying it… but hey, if i drink an Ardbeg, i want a peaty one. That’s what they do best.

    http://www.justanotherdram.com/en/tasting-notes/ardbeg-galileo-2.html
    • Nose
      We start gently with the smoky side of the peat and slight saline notes on the nose. The peat is not as invasive as usual with an Ardbeg. A touch of fruits, being rather on citrus, with a hint of vanilla. Really very sweet, it could disappoint the usual amateurs who are looking for something more… well, more Ardbeg.
    • Taste
      Here again something quite unusual for this distillery, on the one hand we have peat that’s a little more present than on the nose and more typical and another again a mixture of fruits… Without it all really mixing, citrus fruits and plums seem a little room apart. It’s nice in itself but it lacks balance and the marriage is not totally successful (well, when we make room apart, it does not help). We finish with notes of charcoal. It’s… disconcerting.
    • Finish
      Medium to long, always on citrus, rather lemon. Salty and ashes notes.

  49. Gris scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    With this whisky, Ardbeg has tried an experiment on Earth too but I am a little mixed as to its result. It is not unpleasant, they have the merit of having tried a new approach to propose something different, but I still prefer their "classics" more spiky. And it's a guy who does not pore more than that of the peat that says ... but hey, even drinking an Ardbeg, as much as a peat well. That's what they do best. http://www.justanotherdram.com/notes/ardbeg-galileo.html
    • Nose
      We start gently with the smoky side of the peat and slight saline notes on the nose. In short, peat is not as invasive as what Ardbeg has usually accustomed us to. A touch of fruity, being rather on citrus, with a hint of vanilla. Really very sweet, it may be to disappoint the usual amateurs who are looking for something more ... Ben more Ardbeg.
    • Taste
      Here again something quite unusual for this distillery, on one side we have the peat a little more present than on the nose and more typical (and more that stings) and another again a mixture of fruits ... Without that everything really mixes, citrus fruits and plums seem a little room apart. It's nice in itself but it lacks balance and the marriage is not totally successful (well, when we make room apart, it does not help). We finish with notes of charcoal. It's ... disconcerting.
    • Finish
      Medium to long, always on citrus, rather lemon. Salty and ashen notes.

  50. ricallende scored this whisky 93 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Peaty, iodine, ripe fruits, raisins, slight essence of smoke
    • Taste
      Sweet and saltiness immediately, slowly followed by sweet plum and raisins, light tart notes, and hints of smoke.
    • Finish
      Long and warm, spicy and smokiness, leaving hints of dried fruits

  51. guerriero82 scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    Tasting Whiskynotes.be :

    Ardbeg Galileo 12 yo 1999 (49%, OB 2012, first fill ex-bourbon and ex-Marsala casks)

    Nose: relatively soft peat, with lots of sweet elements. Pineapple, banana and tangerine. Don’t expect a fruit basket though, it’s still clearly Ardbeg. Hints of sugared popcorn. Behind the sweetness is a classic lemon / verbena touch. Subtle seaweed and tarry ropes. Some vanilla. I really like its round and slightly tropical character. Mouth: surprisingly smooth, with creamy, toffee-like flavours and apricots on the one hand and a sharper, lemony peat on the other. Nice to find both sides but they don’t seem to go hand in hand entirely – there’s also an empty middle and a slight lack of punch. Evolves on liquorice, sweet pepper, lacquered bacon and coal. Finish: long, creamy and ashy with some green leafy notes in the end.

    I really like peaty whisky that’s rounded by sweeter notes, so this is a welcome type of Ardbeg after a tendency to produce more heavily peated versions. While the nose is great, on the palate it could use a little tweaking. Around € 95.

    Score: 87/100

  52. Chris P. Bacon scored this whisky 90 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      90 90

  53. Dre73 scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      89 89

  54. Dre73 scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    Delicious full but also gentle dram, nicely balanced. Very successful mix of peat and fruitiness. Too bad it is so expensive
    • Nose
      Very light peat and smokiness, also very fruity, tropical fruits, orange. Full but friendly smell.
    • Taste
      Wow! What a soft landing! Full and firm, but not at all irritating. Liquorice and some salmiak, peat and smoke, of course, but also the tropical fruits.
    • Finish
      Long aftertaste, where again the nice combination of civilized peat and smokiness with the tropical fruits.

  55. Lord of Orkney scored this whisky 87 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      87 87

  56. Heemhoeve scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    It is a pity that this whisky is becoming scarce and you see the price rise. Man, what a wonderful experience and taste sensation !! I think the packaging is great.
    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      92 92

  57. dram-drinker scored this whisky 84 points Photo Moderator

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      82 82

  58. dram-drinker scored this whisky 84 points Photo Moderator

    A rather fine Ardbeg but for me a bit too bitter in the end
    • Nose
      Sweet honey, very fine peat and smoke, hints of spices, citrus fruits, rather oranges than lemons
    • Taste
      Oily, smooth peat and smoke, bacon, cold ashes, subtle sweetness - even hints of toffee
    • Finish
      Medium long, smooth, a little bitter in the end

  59. Goethe scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    This is quite a nice Ardbeg/Marsala experiment. Concerning price/performance ratio: 7/10
    • Nose
      Smoke, sherry, caramel, medicinal, some smoked nuts, overripe red fruits, maritime, leather.
    • Taste
      Smoke, ashes, maritime, dark chocolate, bacon, pepper, some heavy mocha.
    • Finish
      Long. Smoke, coffee, dark chocolate, pepper, leather, some oak.

  60. Gatopardo scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    This is the less orthodox Ardbeg of last decade (anyway, wich one could be called "orthodox"?) and for me is real winner. Marsala tamed the best and creates something very unique in my humble opinion. Sad I've sold one bottle!
    • Nose
      Sweetest and fruity Ardbeg I've ever nosed. Tropical fruits, apricots, white chocolate, hints of vanilla, hints of peat but very subtle, as well as the smoke (not really noticeable).
    • Taste
      Creamy, oily, fruity, hints of spice, a bittersweet symphony. Peat and wood reminds your tongue this is still an Ardbeg. Every sip turns sweeter than the last and that's great.
    • Finish
      Medium long, salty, peaty and smoky

  61. whiskycuse did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Tasting Notes:
    https://whiskycuse.wordpress.com/2014/12/26/ardbeg-galileo-ob-2012/

  62. gango4 scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    All in all a slightly different Ardbeg which still has clear parallels to standard bottlings.
    • Nose
      The Ardbegrauch is present immediately and also covers any alcoholic notes. In addition a clear sweetness comes. Much more fruity than normal. With a bit of warmth, it becomes even rounder, but the alcohol gets better. Light honey and sea air.
    • Taste
      The malt has a decent power and a huge start, without burning. First very soft and round. Then, after a few moments, the smoke settles on the tongue and spreads on the palate. The smoke is a bit tamer than the TEN. This also more sweetness, but not really fruity.
    • Finish
      The finish leaves a sweet plume of smoke behind. From the oak or barrel comes for a long time nothing. The barrel brings more sweetness than oak into play.

  63. hs305 scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    [September, 2014]  I had another dram during an Ardbeg-Masterclass tasting at Bonn.

    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 90.  My notes state no sulphur this time (most probably it vanished due to oxydation as the glasses were filled some time before the tasting - which happens sometimes, if you are lucky...).

  64. Helgo scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      86 86

  65. squaadgras scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      87 87

  66. Malty-Malt did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      93 93
    • Finish
      90 90

  67. recursiewhisky did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    A nice Ardbeg with the typical earthy smokey Ardbeg characters. The marsala maturation is not that obvious and prominent as I hoped for. The ex-bourbon casks seem to be a lot louder. But there are some resonant flavours of the Marsala casks there in the form of subtle spices, sweetness and subtle hints of dried fruit.
    All in all a nice enough Ardbeg.
    • Nose
      A powerful yet mellow, floral and sweet whisky with aromas of peat, earthy tones (damp forest floor, mushrooms), smoke, some tar, iodine, bonfire smoke, floral tones (dried flowers), apple, barley sugar, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, white pepper, gooseberries, blackberries, pear, honey, banana, glue, grass, a slight metallic tones, cedarwood, grapes, hay, vanilla, eucalyptus, mint and subtle oak.
    • Taste
      A powerful, fruity and sweet whisky with aromas of bubblegum (pink hubba bubba), sweet smoke, earthy tones (damp forest floor, mushrooms, peat), floral tones, subtle tar, subtle iodine, tannins, grape seeds, white pepper, hint of indistinct dried fruits, ginger, maples syrup, cedarwood, allspice, cinnamon, red apples, moss, mint tea, subtle vanilla, hint of honey and dry spicy oak.
    • Finish
      A long and drying finish with aromas of peat, smoke, earthy tones, ash, lemon zest, mushrooms, tannins, vanilla and dry and spicy oak

  68. Arno Pelgrim scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      88 88

  69. Landryn scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      92 92

  70. Arno Pelgrim scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      87 87

  71. Rogier Engel scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      86 86

  72. ZwiJo scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      84 84

  73. Dram The Man scored this whisky 88 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      90 90

  74. Dramlicious scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    Ardbeg Galileo is named after the 17th Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher, and mathematician Galileo Galilei. Since Ardbeg released this bottling to celebrate their first ever experiment in space, the name seems like a good fit.

    http://dramlicious.com/review-239-ardbeg-galileo/

  75. domani scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    Very powerful, well-balanced and harmonious Ardbeg - 24.12.2014
    • Nose
      Campfire smoke, moss, grass, limes, chocolate, coffee beans
    • Taste
      Smoke, sweet, fruity, powerful, becoming drier towards the end
    • Finish
      Lang

  76. AH Whiskyvitrine scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      87 87

  77. mika417 scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    ARDBEG GALILEO / 49% (1999-2012) Pete smoke, spicy mint, ripe grapefruit and faint tropical fruit scent Feel the cool feeling of mint, dirty and fruity sweetness Mint and smoke, long finish of distinctive sweetness It is sometimes called the opening day 2, which is slightly different from the feeling of refreshing feeling mint Fruity is impressive Ardbeg. For details (haha) It seems that a distinctive sweet fruit is felt by adding sake brewed in Sicily's Marsala wine barrel. I think that it will gradually change from now on, but I feel Ardbeg likeness and fruity even immediately after opening It is quite a taste. After all the malt is progressing as it gets cooler. http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/distilled1973/39781821.html

  78. FernetBranco scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      84 84

  79. Shane_IL scored this whisky 60 points Expert Senior

    Blech. All sweet, no peat.
    • Nose
      Sweet glue. Honey. White Grape juice. Little smoke.
    • Taste
      Caramelised apples. Cashew. White dessert wine. Sweet cherries.
    • Finish
      Long. Brown sugar. Maple syrup. Orange nectar.

  80. PunxsutawneyPhil scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      92 92

  81. PunxsutawneyPhil scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    This is fantastic. Better than I thought. My sample was pretty old, though. Had been sitting in a half filled sample bottle for six months before I finally decided it was time to taste it. I added 3 drops of water.

    It does not give the enormous Ardbeg taste and smell that you might expect, but that makes it a very nice variation to the Ardbeg style IMHO. Definitely makes it more drinkable.

    From a sample from Franzman.
    • Nose
      The typical Ardbeg nose. The peat, the sweetness, the hints of smoke, the saltiness. But lighter. Vanilla, tar. Even some honey and green fresh fruit notes. Nice.
    • Taste
      Fresh and subtle at first, then full bodied vanilla, honey, and only then the peat, smoke tar, even some spiciness. Great.
    • Finish
      The vanilla, peat and smoke linger. Honey flies by in waves, some slight bitterness. The bitterness fades away as the peat and sweet tones remain and die slowly at the back of your tongue. Fantastic.

  82. dicembre29 scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    Nose: Sweet and creamy and more dessert-like than recent Ardbeg releases. Notes of chocolate and burnt marshmallow. Tart fruit; like maybe pomegranate seeds and crab apple. Chilis and iodine. Hot chocolate with marshmallow. Grapes that are initially none too aggressive, grow bigger and bigger as this one opens up a bit. Almost faint at first, but developing like something in the rear view mirror moving ever closer. Some peat and smoke o’ course.

    The palate…not even close to the suggestions of the nose. Much sharper, really. Wet, sloppy, juicy delivery that quickly contracts and puckers into sour grape skins and slightly bitters. Licorice. A touch too heavy on the wine influence, I think.

    After a few sips, my mate referred to this one as both ‘a dirty drink’ and ‘an oddball…one off’. Yes and no. Dirty? Sure. I get that. An oddball? Get that too. The reason I say ‘nae’ here as well is because this one really isn’t that much of a stretch for Ardbeg. Just a few quirky steps off the beaten path. You WILL find familiarity here.

    Final concession: Recognition for odd innovation on the part of the distillers, and acknowledgement of being a tad underwhelmed with this one due to my own possibly inflated expectations, mean perhaps this should really score an extra point, but ultimately I’ll refrain.

    http://www.allthingswhisky.com/?cat=4

     

     

  83. newman346 scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    Ardbeg Galileo 1999/2012 12yo OB 70cl 49% vol. First fill ex-bourbon and ex-Marsala casks finish MHD Do you want to drink this well? Ardbeg Galileo! Ardbeg of this kind is hard to encounter, so it became glad Ardbeg in fact.Color: Barley teas like it seems to be soft, I had a feeling that a powerful full body would not seem to be.It is a gambling Ardbeg Is it? Nose: The smell of tap water when the new hotel can not be called new, the citrus sourness accompanied by it is awesome, awfully, there is Egmi and a further sign of gambling moon moon Attach: Young but nothing Charcoal grilling of a chicken of a calm graceful feeling.Through the faintest sunny summer I felt it did not feel like a rugged Body: Is this true punch power zero? What? It is as light as the latter half round that Mr. Ichiro Miyata of the masterpiece boxing cartoon became raw, it became only bone and skin, it was rarely struck by the opponent.It is not so-called, Punch power to the extent that the hand barely moves, if Blind it is absolutely unknown to be Ardbeg Well, although I do not feel like doing Blind a lot, if Blind, I do not know if this is nice Taste: citrus feeling when the lemon on chicken barbarian is now the one I do not like tasty gin tonic.It is such a thing that seems to get drunk like that with strange sourness and exasa does not it? Finish: I do not have any Smokey, this is too good, like the white lady which is not tasty, the feeling that the sweetness and the sourness seemed to be too far apart remained forever, knocked out by return, I think that it will be over in about 2 lines before drinking I was quite able to enjoy it. https://whisky2010.usukeba.com/u/whisky2010/1fyhars4tzz2fb

  84. Rom did not rate this whisky Expert Junior

    Nose peat, wood, vanilla. The relatively oily mouth is dominated by peat, the alcohol is well integrated. The long finish starts on the wood to open on the peat. Good.

  85. Ciro scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      87 87

  86. Dyno scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      89 89

  87. hfos scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      80 80

  88. Kantenmechaniker scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    Very good whisky! Can tolerate water, but it does not have to be.
    • Nose
      In the nose directly the Marsala influence clearly, beautiful fruity note, smoke holds back relatively, with time, however, he expresses itself more in the foreground, slight coffee associations, cranberry or currant, after long smells is still a slice of bacon put the grill with water still chocolate comes out
    • Taste
      Intense, strong smoke, again the berries from the nose, this time directly a smell of smoked ham, the smoke plays well here with the Fruchtnkten together, slowly comes also some oak with water more supple, but less intense, also in the taste I find now chocolate
    • Finish
      The smoke is becoming more and more dominant, it remains a drier fruit note of grape skins, these last the longest

  89. Georges scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      88 88

  90. Georges scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      Peat smoke, apples, walnuts, sherry, vanilla  
    • Taste
      Peat smoke, sweet candy, dry fruits, almonds
    • Finish
      Medium long, lemons, grassy, peat smoke, green pepper, salty

  91. Hvdree scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      87 87

  92. Paulski88 scored this whisky 57 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      60 60
    • Taste
      50 50
    • Finish
      60 60

  93. Murmelkasten scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      88 88

  94. Whisky_Wolf scored this whisky 87 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      88 88

  95. mister glenfarclas scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    For tasting notes see post below...
    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      87 87

  96. mister glenfarclas scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    Very good whisky, pleasant to drink. A little youngish though. 
    • Nose
      Initially sweet sherry and delicate peat smoke. A bonfire at the sea, the moisty wood still burning. 
    • Taste
      Powerful start, sweet and spicy at the same time. Peat smoke more intense now. Some oak bitterness, but not that much. Allthough...becoming more and more intense, quite bitter. Less sherry now. Bourbon casks more dominant in the taste.
    • Finish
      Medium long finish. Smoke, licorice and sweet chewing tobacco lingering on.

  97. Wolv scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      92 92
    • Taste
      91 91
    • Finish
      88 88

  98. Magnus Hillman scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    Great expression! Ardbeg with at least some age, it kind of suits it.

    (Rating interval 85-89)
    • Nose
      Peat smoke, dry grass, tar, red fruits, cherry and red sweet apples in particular. Needs water, is a bit closed.
    • Taste
      Sweet and smoky with brown sugar, vanilla, sweet licorice, black tea, leather and still the red fruits in the background. For some reason I'm also thinking overripe peaches or nectarines.
    • Finish
      The finish is long and sweet with granuled sugar, caramel and some herbs all in the background of peat smoke and black tea.

  99. Tothemorrow scored this whisky 88 points Member Senior

    One dram note. Well balanced dram.
    • Nose
      Grass, hibiscus, fudge, spices, bacon, cough medicine, paint, vanilla ice cream (strange mix, I know).
    • Taste
      Oak, brine, sea weed, mixed spices, grass. Water increases sweetness and brine.
    • Finish
      Long and awesome finish.

  100. Allandale scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      89 89

  101. KayMeertens scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    Too bad that this has become one of those collectors' items that generally stay closed forever.
    • Nose
      The red fruits immediately draw the attention: raspberry, cherry and plum. Of course there's also a lot of peat, but that was not the first thing that came to mind, probably because of the expectation I had. Furthermore toffee, citrus, gingerbread and a good amount of spice.
    • Taste
      Peat, toffee, salt, tea leaves, leather, dark chocolate, coffee, lime and pepper. A little tobacco as well. The red fruits don't survive among the peat in the taste.
    • Finish
      Peat ash, toffee, espresso, dark chocolate, candied cherry and leather.

  102. Fable scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      84 84

  103. Aetius scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    Nose: A fascinating mix of fruit, sweetness, tar and smoke, interspersed with oak, honey, banana and apple. And just a tad vanilla. Score: 24/25
    Taste: Smoky chocolatey honey with a strong flavor of toffee and toast. Some leathery and spicy oak shines through. Score: 23/25
    Finish: The taste gradually fades and gives way to a strong bitter aftertaste which in turn leaves coffee, peat, leather and cocolate behind. Interesting, but a bit too busy on the palate. Score: 20/25
    Balance: Attcks your palate like an angry freight train. Prickly, challenging and complex, this is a dram that doesn`t so much say hello as HELLOOOO!!!! Score: 21/25

    Total: 88/100

  104. getz scored this whisky 88 points Expert Junior

    Ardbeg Galileo 12 year old, distilled in 1999, filled to bottles in 2012 with much excitement and anticipation! Bottled to celebrate Galileo (Galileo Galilei), a hugely influential Italian astronomer, physicist and philosopher, who played a major role in the Scientific Revolution. Galileo was also an unmanned NASA spacecraft which was sent to space in 1989 to study planet Jupiter and its many moons. .
    .
    The heart of this Ardbeg is matured in ex Marsala casks from Sicily, balanced with first fill ex bourbon casks, bottled at 49% vol.

  105. Angelos scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    I recommend to add some water when you taste this wisky.
    • Nose
      At first intense peat. Behind of it some fruits, but the darker ones... some raisins, plums. Some caramel. Spices like cinnamon, which become more intense, when you add some drop of water
    • Taste
      The peat level in the taste is by far not that high compared to the nose. The fruitiness is more obvious here. Ripe fruits like apricots, peaches (which i recognize in every Ardbeg!)
    • Finish
      Long and warming! Nice spices in the end. Cinnamon!

  106. Sonett scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      Very typical Ardbeg nose but with a little more fruitiness than normal. charcoal smoke amd peat
    • Taste
      Also here an typical Ardbeg with the heavy smoke hitting you instantly. however there is also influences from dessert wine (sweet)
    • Finish
      Long, rather spicy and smoky as expected

  107. Feis_ile scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    ARDBEG Galileo limited edition 2012 to celebrate the first space experiment of Ardberg. Ardbeg is invited to participate in a groundbreaking study on molecular aging at the international space station. The experiment was developed by "Research Director" Dr. Bill Lumsden in collaboration with NanoRacks, the global company for space exploration with headquarters in Houston, Texas. The result, Ardbeg Galileo limited edition 2012

  108. GrantRH scored this whisky 91 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      93 93
    • Finish
      88 88

  109. Willie JJ scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    Nice to see Ardbeg out of the Kindergarten again.
    • Nose
      Full on carbolic and iodine. Lavender sausage and ripe banana. Lemon sherbet sweets new leather and smokey bacon crisps. Complexity like a proper Ardbeg that has seen more than a few summers.
    • Taste
      Soft delivery, super salty, seaweed, tablet, more salt and some heat.
    • Finish
      Long, warm peppercorns bursting on the tongue. Sugar, toast, then lingering sandy salt.

  110. Jean-Brice scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    Very nice but overworked.
    • Nose
      Smoked, fruity
    • Taste
      Easy but nice. On a very sweet sherry form
    • Finish
      Long and iodized

  111. I_SPEY scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    Nose:Very Ardbeggie with seaweeds, spicy toffee, vanilla, tropical fruits and a refined smell of peat and tar.

    Taste: is perfect, with salty, sweet and creamy tastes, softly peated; even citrus and orange - what a taste!; even smoked apricots and a little pepper!

    Finish:  rather long, fruity , smoky and serene!

    Comments: Sweet Ardbeg, how nice, how unexpected!! A real stunner! 

  112. Cast Olila scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      89 89

  113. m884 scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    Nose: First impression, ardbeg in a wine cask! eh~ ... Peat, smoke, dry, wine whisky, vanilla, sweetend herbal tea, wet old wood

    Mouth: touch bitter, peat, pepper, smoke, peat sweetness

    Finish: Rather dry, peat, smoke, winey

    Comments: Not feeling this too much. This one is soild, but can`t compete with their standard range.

  114. granella2003 scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    Well, they keep on doing it,
    don't they. Another Ardbeg bottling that has balance, depth, doesn't stray too
    far from its roots, yet offers plenty more in spades. It has maturity, where
    previous bottlings have disappointed and the influence of the Marsala is just
    sublime. Yes, old Ardbeg is perhaps in the pantheon of THE all time great
    whiskies, but we really think that the distillery is hitting a golden era of
    production with bottlings like this.

    http://caskstrength.blogspot.it/2012/08/up-up-and-away-galileo-blasts-off.html
    • Nose
      Unmistakable Ardbeg, with wafts of cracked pepper, vanilla, some very medicinal
      soft peat, lemon zest, chopped nuts and sweet acacia honey. But then something
      else emerges. The fruit begins to develop, with some softer perfumed notes at
      first, then something a little bit richer. Raisins and dates spring to mind, but
      only just a waft mind. with a drop of water, the fruit develops and in comes a
      little spiciness and malt. (cinnamon toast)
    • Taste
      Bang in with the classic peat, but
      with some vanilla ice cream notes, current buns (with a dusting of cinnamon)
      some lemon zest and a touch of dried fruit. Again, nothing too over powering but
      just enough to make its presence felt. With a dash of water, it becomes creamy
      and sweet, with Caramac bars (Google them) and an emergence of fresh fruit
      salad. Superb
    • Finish
      Lingering notes of malt, with a
      backbeat of smoke, pepper light fruits (over-ripe plums) and lemon zest.

  115. Prodigy did not rate this whisky Expert Junior

    Its not a finish.

    Its first fill ex-bourbon and ex-Marsala casks vatted together.

  116. Malt Hans scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    Smoky

    and spicy aroma, lime, pepper, cloves, pine wood, sweet mustard, floral

    honey and raisins. Vanilla sweet and winy taste, liquorice, smoke,

    walnuts, cinnamon, unripe banana and menthol. Long, spacey, smoky and

    malty end.

  117. Cast Olila scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      91 91

  118. granella2003 scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    Special Ardbeg Galileo with an alcohol content of 49%, Unique Ardbeg with a rich aging in american oak and a finish on unique marsala barrels. A beauty of a Ardbeg with nice hints of tropical fruit with a strong spicy yet sweet wood finish

    http://www.drankgigant.nl/sterke-drank/whisky/ardbeg-galileo.html

  119. GLEN MAUR scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      92 92

  120. checkpointuk scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    http://www.weinkenner.de/2012/aktuell-und-in-aller-munde-ardbeg-galileo-ex-bourbon-marsala-casks-25482/
    Color: corn yellow
    Nose: Sweet start, salty citrus note (but not Ardbeg typical), delicate peaty hints, smoky ash, creamy vanilla cream, honey notes and ripe tropical fruit, orange liqueur.
    Taste: Soft, sweet and oeliger start, salty spicy, delicate peppery smoke, then woody bitter with dull balsamic notes and too long tea.
    Finish: Long, the bitter aromas become stronger; smoky, coffee, soot and ash and dry wood; the remaining flavors of the Marsala cask seem a bit casual (not ideally integrated)
    Comment: As far as okay, but lately there have been better bottlings from Ardbeg!
    86 points (nose: 89 / taste: 85 / finish: 84)

  121. Finlaggan scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    My review can be found here:
    http://themaltdesk.blogspot.dk/2012/10/ardbeg-galileo-vintage-1999.html

  122. Erik Elixir scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    N: this is Ardbeg, smoky, a little to young, wood and winey
    T: citrus, orange, spicy and off course peaty
    F: sulphur, drying, earth and some mushrooms
    tasted with Dramclub of DH17

  123. Lafroy scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      88 88

  124. markjedi1 scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    This is a fine and modern Ardbeg, which threatens to disappoint the
    truly die-hard peatfreaks because of the sweetness. But to me, it is more than
    a nice addition to the Ardbeg range.
    • Nose
      The nose is typically Ardbeg, with the peat, seeweads and tar, but that
      is completely rounded out with very fruity notes from melon, peach and
      pineapple. There is even a hint of chocolate. No peat in your face, but a warm
      welcome to Islay, with loads of sweet fruits.
    • Taste
      The palate is the perfect continuation of the nose, in which the Marsala
      again makes sure it does not turn too peaty. The pineapple dries, reminding me
      of pineapple cubes. A bit of citrus. Oranges and lime. Softly spiced with a slight
      bitterness as if from cloves. Very accessible.
    • Finish
      The finish is medium long and remains fruity, therefor excluding any
      resemblance with the regular Ardbeg 10 Year Old.

  125. Drochaid scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    ARDBEG Galileo Limited Edition 2012 To celebrate the first space experiment by Ardberg. Ardbeg was invited to participate in a seminal molecular maturation study on the International Space Station. The experiment was conducted by "Research Director" Dr. Bill Lumsden has been developed in partnership with NanoRacks, the global space research company based in Houston, Texas. The result - the Ardbeg Galileo Limited Edition 2012. (glenfahrn)

  126. Ralph Hiltrup did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Billy A
    Nose: Soft, sweet peat,
    sweet spirity notes, tarred ropes, coal dust, barbequed pineapple, a
    touch of dirty sump oil, pine needles, freshly smashed-open coconut, dry
    breadcrumbs and crushed seashells. A few drops of water calm down the
    phenols and reveal syrup glazed pineapple upsidedown-cake (one of my
    specialities) and stewed gooseberries.

    Palate:
    The first thing I noticed was that it wasn`t as sweet as the nose might
    have suggested, at least not in an upfront syrupy way. Instead it had
    unsweetened tropical fruit and sharp edged Fruit Salad chews, filled out
    with rich fruitcake sweetness, although this is Ardbeg so it was more a "smoked fruitcake" hit, along with cold coal stoves, dark wood, a hint
    of leaf mulch and some sea spray. Water yet again calmed down the peat,
    revealing a bit more sweetness from the fruit.

    Finish: On the swallow there was a burst of tarry phenols, which faded to leave lingering damp wood and leaves.

    Comment:
    At first I though it`d be way too sweet for my currently savoury
    palate, but instead it was rich and fruity, eschewing syrup for sweet
    smoke and earthiness. A successful experiment.

  127. Norbs scored this whisky 88 points Specialist

    The Marsala finish gives this Galileo a very nice sweetness, without losing the typical Ardbeg flavour. I love it!

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