Ardbeg 1904 - Pure Islay Malt Whisky 20 U.P. by Matthew Gloag & Son Ltd, Perth

Report: Ardbeg 1904 - Pure Islay Malt Whisky (20 U.P.) bottled by Matthew Gloag & Son Ltd., Perth

Description: Ardbeg 1904 - Pure Islay Malt Whisky
Bottled by: Matthew Gloag & Son Ltd, Perth
Strength: 20° under proof (U.P.) - corresponds to 57.15% vol (according to the British proof system: 20 U.P. = (100 - 20) * 4/7 * 1.75)
Origin: Ardbeg distillery, Isle of Islay, Scotland
Bottling period: Estimated early 20th century.
Buyer/Bottler:Matthew Gloag & Son, renowned wine and spirits merchant in Perth, Scotland (particularly known for their "Famous Grouse" blend, which they later developed).

1. historical context & significance:

• Earliest Era: This bottle represents Ardbeg whisky from the very earliest heyday of the distillery, long before the 20th century closures, decline and later renaissance.

• Pure Islay Malt:The term "Pure Islay Malt" was commonly used at the time to characterise unblended (single malt) whisky from the island of Islay. It implies that the content comes exclusively from Ardbeg malt.

• Matthew Gloag:An important and respected bottler of his time. Gloag bought casks from various distilleries (including Ardbeg) and bottled them under his own label, often for discerning customers and for export. Such bottlings are extremely rare contemporary documents today.

• 20 U.P. (57.15% vol.):This strength was quite common for high-quality bottlings at the time, indicating that the whisky was either bottled close to the original cask strength or only minimally reduced with water to achieve drinking strength.

2. production background (assumptions based on practices at the time):

• Malting: most likely own floor malting on Ardbeg.

• Phenol content:Traditionally high, but possibly not quite as extremely smoky as some modern expressions as peat utilisation and depth could vary.

• Fermentation: Long fermentation times in Oregon Pine (Douglas Fir) washbacks common.

• Distillation: Slow distillation in Ardbeg's characteristic small, powerful pot stills.

• Maturation:In ex-bourbon or possibly ex-sherry casks. The maturation period at the time of bottling is unknown (possibly 5-12 years, rarely longer at that time). Maturation most likely took place in the damp, cool warehouses by the sea on Islay.

3. sensory profile (theoretical / based on historical descriptions of similar whiskies):

• Colour: Probably pale gold to medium gold (due to wood influence, less due to caramel).

• Nose:Complex and powerful. Dominant, medicinal, tarry smoke (creosote, iodine, leather), underlying maritime notes (seaweed, salty air), dried fruits (apricot, sultana), wax, raw cereals, a clear mineral note (wet stone), perhaps a hint of wood smoke and spices.

• Flavour:Strong and smoky dominating at first (ash, lapsang souchong tea, pepper), followed by oily texture and salty sweetness (honey cake, stewed pears), dried herbs, a distinct mineral spiciness and nutty/creamy undertones. The strength (57%) is present but probably well integrated.

• Finish: Very long, dry, smoky-medicinal (camphor, iodine), with a lingering salty and mineral note.

4. rarity & value:

• Extreme rarity: bottles from this era (pre-WWI) of Ardbeg are exceptionally rare, especially those with clear distillery attribution and intact labelling. Bottlings from renowned retailers such as Gloag are particularly sought after.

• Contemporary document: It represents the flavour and production practices of Ardbeg in a bygone era.

• Auction value: Bottles of this calibre regularly achieve extremely high prices at renowned auctions (such as Sotheby's, Bonhams, ##########_7__), depending on their condition, provenance (proof of authenticity and storage) and current market demand. They are among the absolute top lots at whisky auctions.

5. authenticity & condition:

• Critical factor: for a bottle of this age and value, complete provenance and professional authentication by recognised experts (e.g. from Rare Whisky 101, Whisky Auctioneers Authentication Team, independent valuers) is absolutely essential.

• Condition: The value depends largely on:

  • Fill level: must be very high (top shoulder or better).

  • Label & cork: Condition of the labels, presence of the capsule seal, condition of the cork.

  • Storage: Cool, dark and constant storage over the decades is crucial for flavour retention.

6. warning notice:

• Investment:The acquisition of such a bottle is primarily an investment or the collecting of a historical artefact. Opening it for tasting would be an enormous financial loss and should only be considered in exceptional cases (for scientific analysis). The actual flavour after over 100 years in the bottle is unpredictable and can be disappointing.

Conclusion:

The Ardbeg 1904 "Pure Islay Malt" bottled by Matthew Gloag & Son is no ordinary whisky, but a piece of living whisky history of inestimable value and extreme rarity, representing Ardbeg at its most pristine, smoky and powerful from a bygone era, bottled by one of the most renowned Scottish merchants of its time. For collectors and investors, it is a "Holy Grail". Its market value is astronomical, and its authenticity and condition must be verified by absolute top experts. This bottle is a museum piece and a testament to the long and storied history of the Ardbeg distillery.