New to Lukas Wine & Spirits, the Ardbeg Galileo Islay SMSW (49% ABV)!
This latest Ardbeg Islay SMSW release was distilled in 1999 and bottled here in 2012 for a very rare and limited release. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and Sicilian ex-Marsala casks and bottled at a massive 49% ABV without being chill-filtered.
“In the headlong rush of science, in the late autumn of 2011, a rocket ship blasted off this earth at 25,000 mph. Deep within it, no ordinary cargo; for the rocket carried research vials of precious Ardbeg-crafted molecules, the beginning of a fascinating first; a research experiment by Ardbeg… in space!
“Ardbeg has always been right up there, having been voted Best Scotch Whisky in the World three times on the bounce. But in October 2011 Ardbeg-crafted molecules went one giant leap further… out of this world and into orbit. On Earth we created Ardbeg Galileo – a celebration of Ardbeg’s first ever experiment in space.
Tasting Notes:
Nose – Spicy toffee, tropical fruits and a puff of soot.
Taste – Salty, yet sweet with cream and a burst of smoking apricots.
Finish – Long, lingering and serene” – per the Ardbeg Galileo Islay SMSW bottle
Here is the story behind Ardbeg’s latest creation/release:
“In the headlong rush of science, in the late autumn of 2011, a rocket ship blasted off this earth at 25,000mph. Deep within it no ordinary cargo: for the rocket carried research vials of precious Ardbeg-crafted molecules, the beginning of a fascinating first: a research experiment by Ardbeg … in space!
This is the most audacious adventure ever undertaken by Ardbeg Distillery (or any other distillery for that matter). Ardbeg have been invited by US based space research company NanoRacks LLC to take part in an experiment to test these micro organic compounds in a maturation experiment (the inter-action of these compounds with charred oak) between normal gravity on Earth and micro-gravity, far up in space on the International Space Station. The vials contain a class of compounds known as “terpenes” – a set of chemicals which are very widespread in nature and often very aromatic and flavor-active – as well as other molecules. It is the interaction of these molecules with oak wood that forms the basis of this maturation experiment.
This is believed to be the first time anyone has ever studied terpenes and other molecules in near zero-gravity. The experiment could explain the workings of these large, complex molecules as they will remain on the International Space Station for at least two years and help us uncover new truths about the change that these molecules undergo in this near zero gravity environment. The experiment will have applications for a variety of commercial and research products, including, maybe, one day, future generations of Ardbeg. Working in close collaboration with the Ardbeg Distillery team in Scotland, the team will closely monitor the experiment against control samples here on earth: both in Houston, Texas at the NanoRacks’ facility and more familiarly, in Warehouse 3 at Ardbeg Distillery on Islay!
However, what goes up must go down, and Ardbeg is destined to go down well whatever the atmosphere. So when the experiment successfully lands back on our own peaty planet, join us and your fellow peaty-earthlings in saluting this momentous occasion by raising a glass to the pioneers who took this audacious step!” – per the Ardbeg Islay SMSW website
A few of our Ardbeg Galileo cases have already been pre-sold to Ardbeg fans and Lukas Wine & Spirits has exactly one full case left of six bottles left for sale. Terms are that it is will be a one bottle limit per person, per day and Lukas will not hold or reserve these bottles via phone or email. This release is extremely limited and rare so I recommend that my fellow peat-freaks act fast because once it’s gone, its gone for good.
Cheers,
-Adam M England
Lukas Spirits Manager
636-227-4543
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