Ardbeg "The Ultimate" Limited 1978 Edition

[Robert Stewart]

Just inherited a few bottles of single malt, and am looking for a realistic estimated valuation on a green colored bottle of ARBEG, with printing on a green box and bottle that, in the following order, says:

The Ultimate
Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky
Limited 1978 Edition
Bottled in Scotland in 1998
750 ML and 43% ALC/VOL.

I have spent approximately ten continous hours performing an exhaustive search on the Internet seeking information on the above whisky. The end results of my search indicated no web site with information on this specific whisky. It is like this 20 YO whisky never existed.

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[505Gibbs]

Is this a distillery bottling or was it released by an independent bottler such as Cadenhead or McMurray David etc.
If it wasn't a distillery bottling - you're correct in that it could be tough to get info on it.:confused:

[Jojo]

Robert - our contact at Ardbeg told us that this sounds like one of their limited editions in the early days after the Distillery reopened in 1997. It was distributed by Brown Forman in the US at the time. McTears sold two in their whisky auction on 3rd Feb for GBP120 and GBP100.

I have a photo of the carton, but having a problem converting it into the right format, so will work on it and post later. In the meantime, here is more information....

ARDBEG 1978 VINTAGE


Ardbeg Single Islay Malt

Revered by connoisseurs as a truly extraordinary whisky, Ardbeg Single Islay Malt stands alone as the most delicate and complex of all the Islay malts. Its strength is that it does not flaunt the peat; rather it gives way to the malt, the natural sweetness of which subtly intrudes and produces the perfect balance.

And balance is the key. All Islay malts are special, but only Ardbeg has achieved such effortless harmony which sets it apart from the rest.

Vintages

A Vintage is declared when the Ardbeg Distillery Manager has discovered casks from a particular year which, during maturation, have developed extra special characteristics.


******


TASTING NOTES

Nose: There is an unmistakeable bourbon oakiness to this dram and in combination with the peat, offers something that flies off the scale – extraordinary. Although the malt can be detected, one has to search amongst the surging of peat and bourbon.

Taste: The brilliance of this whisky is its ability to show genuine subtlety and poise, yet leave no one in any doubt of its origin and intention. As well as very rich, almost grassy, malt and some well groomed oak, there are delicious hints of roast coffee and hickory.

Finish: This is a classic among classic Ardbegs – the balance of the nose and the palate is exactly how Ardbeg should be and the finish is magnificent. A real depth of character. Keep on the palate for as long as possible to magnify the sweetness and complexity.


Ardbeg 1978 Vintage – “ It has a glorious richness and complexity”

[Jojo]

Here's the pic - Robert, is that what you have?

441

[tbiz]

Hello JoJo,

I also have in my possession a bottle of Ardbeg Limited Edition 1978 / bottled in 1998 in Scotland. From your perspective, what would be a estimated evaluation for this whisky?

[Jojo]

I'll see if any have sold recently at auction. In the meantime, you can always contact McTears.com or Bonhams.com for a value. :)

[bkblankenship]

I checked Whiskyauction.com and since 2006 up to 2010 present, 35 bottles of this vintage and bottling date have been offered for auction. The price paid has ranged from 145 Euro ( $176.90 ) to 231 Euro ( $281.82 ). The EURO was trading today ( 26 May 2020 for $1.22 ). Have owned several. This an excellent dram should you decide not to collect the bottle.

[Unregistered]

I have one of these Ardbeg 1978 bottled 1998 bottles as whiskey for friends for some years. It is enjoyed by everyone who got to try it.

This is a fine Whiskey - I convinced a lot of peolple with this one.