Ardbeg 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl

Description

Ardbeg 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Ardbeg distillery is located on the south side of the Isle of Islay, in the small settlement of Ardbeg from which it takes its name. It has been producing whisky since 1798, but only began commercial production in 1815.

Having changed ownership over the years, it is now owned by the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) group. It is renowned for producing a heavily peated Islay Whisky. The distillery themselves state "Ardbeg Ten Years Old is revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all". They use malted barley which is sourced from the maltings in Port Ellen (also on the Island of Islay).

Interesting Fact: The brand name Ardbeg is an anglicisation of 'An Àird Bheag' which is Scottic Gaelic, and means 'The Small Promontory'.

Their Ten Years Old edition is the flagship whisky of their range, and is matured in ex-bourbon casks. Whilst this is definitely a peated whisky, it does not flaunt the peatiness. The peatiness is perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness of the malt.

This results in a whisky which has a light gold colour, and an intense aroma. Smoky fruit, peat and lemon & lime are all wrapped in a background of dark chcoloate. Menthol, and hints of black pepper also come through.

The flavour ensures there is no doubt that this is a peated whisky! The peat blends with tangy lemon and lime, spicy black pepper, and cinnamon spiced toffee. The mid palate brings forth ripe bananas and dried fruits, as the smokiness builds on the palate. This leads to notes of creamy cappuccino and liquorice root.

The finish is exceptionally long, and the smoke doesn't hide. It brings our espresso, anissed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.

More from Ardbeg

Perfect Serve

As with all whisky, drink however you like it. We tried this with a light splash of water, and really enjoyed how this opened up the aromas.