Whisky Reviews/Whisky Page

Ian Macleod Chieftain’s Ardbeg 1996 2016 20 Years Old 46,5% Cask 808/811

Available at Amber RoomArdbeg · Explore distillery
89

Amber Room ReviewIndependent tasting notes

Reviewed 07 September 2026 ·View daily archive

Whisky facts

Region
Islay
Independent Bottler
Ian Macleod
Age
20 years
ABV
46.5%
Vintage
1996
Bottled
2016
Cask type
Barrels
Cask number
808/811
Bottles in release
601

In the glass

Tasting Notes

1 Amber Room Review

Amber Room Review

Ian Macleod Chieftain’s Ardbeg 1996 2016 20 Years Old 46,5% Cask 808/811

07 September 2026
89

Nose

Quite a balanced mix between the meaty smokiness & sweet fruitiness, which is surprising considering that it’s a younger Ardbeg

Body

Definitely a typical Ardbeg palate, very meaty but also slightly salty and gets sweeter over time, surprisingly a bit floral

Finish

Long smoky finish, very meaty and gets a bit spicy

Other perspectives

External Review Links

Back to Whisky ReviewsExplore all whiskies