Ardbeg An OA Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl
A more approachable aspect from Ardbeg, with a rounded flavour profile
Description
Ardbeg An OA 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'.
The inspiration for Ardbeg An OA comes from the Mull of Oa. Gepgraphically, the Distillery is sheltered from the harshest excesses of the mighty Atlantic by the Mull of Oa. This is a rounded peninsula in the south of Islay.
It got its name from the use of the distillery's newly-established Gathering Vat. Within this vat, Ardbeg gather whiskies from several different cask types. These include sweet Pedro Ximenez; spicy Virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks (as well as others). Within the vat these blend perfectly, resulting in a whisky with smoky power, mellowed by a delectable, smooth sweetness.
The result is a whisky with a light gold colour. On the nose this is sweet and creamy, with butterscotch, tobacco, fennel and boiled sweets all coming through. Citrus is present, but more subtle.
The hallmark Ardbeg peat is definitely here, in the flavour - but slightly more mellow (still definitely a peaty whisky though). Dark chocolate and aniseed are wrapped in smooth, silky butterscotch, black pepper and clove, before rising to an intense crescendo of flavour
The finish is lingering and seductive. Whilst it has an intensity, somehow this remains gentle, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke.
More from Ardbeg
Perfect Serve
We liked this with a simple drop of water to it, served at room temperature, However, as with all whisky, enjoy it how you like!
