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Gordon & Macphail Ardbeg 1974 1997 40%

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91

Amber Room ReviewIndependent tasting notes

Reviewed 24 June 2026 ·View daily archive

Whisky facts

Region
Islay
Independent Bottler
Gordon & Macphail
ABV
40%
Vintage
1974
Bottled
1997

A really good 40% Ardbeg from the 70s but definitely not an amazing / legendary bottle

In the glass

Tasting Notes

1 Amber Room Review

Amber Room Review

Gordon & Macphail Ardbeg 1974 1997 40%

24 June 2026
91

A really good 40% Ardbeg from the 70s but definitely not an amazing / legendary bottle

Nose

Beautiful meaty smoky nose, some tar & ashes

Body

Definitely a powerful rush of smoke, way more than what I would expect from a 40% whisky, then comes the sweetness & ending with a slight spiciness/hotness mouthful, the body is incredibly full for a 40% whisky

Finish

The finish is long, with the BBQ peat smoke lingering

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