Ardbeg An Oa

An Oa is named for the Mull of Oa on Islay's southwest coast, providing some shelter to the Kildaton coast, where the Ardbeg distillery is located, from the Atlantic's harshness. Consequently, Ardbeg An Oa aims to reveal a more accessible facet of Ardbeg single malt, designed to be as well-rounded as the Oa peninsula while retaining the distillery's signature style. It was matured in a mix of casks, including Pedro Ximénez, charred virgin oak, and ex-bourbon. Nose: Surprisingly light and sweet. Features fresh, herbal peat with a subtle anise note. Light honey and malt are complemented by a spritz of orange and a distant leafy smoke. Palate: Sweet peat. It's light, striking a delicate balance between dryness and oiliness. Smoke intensifies throughout the profile, accompanied by a touch of saltiness. An umami quality, reminiscent of ham, sits harmoniously with notes of tobacco and bitter marmalade. Finish: Medium. Dark chocolate, bonfire smoke, black tea, and a hint of citrus. I had to consult my notes on Ardbeg 10; this is clearly made in the same vein. There's much to appreciate here, particularly on the nose and finish. However, it lacks a certain impact. The ten-year doesn't mess around; it hits hard. This An Oa is gentler in character and somewhat reserved. I'm unsure if the extra $20 AUD over the 10 is justified, but it's an enjoyable and easy-drinking expression from Islay. Ardbeg running scores: Ardbeg 10: 4.25/5 Wee Beastie: 3/5 Corryvreckan: 4.5/5 An oa: 4/5

An elegant Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Ardbeg Distillery in Islay, Scotland. It was matured in a mix of casks, including Pedro Ximénez, charred virgin oak, and ex-bourbon, all married in Dr. Bill Lumsden's new 'Gathering Vat' before being bottled at 46.6% ABV. It greets you with aromas of smoke, charred applewood, tobacco leaf, toffee, mint, aniseed, treacle, dates, peach, banana orange cake, and Honey Nut Clusters. The rich and creamy palate adds notes of chocolate limes, treacle toffee, orange, smoky tea leaves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cigar smoke, grilled artichoke, wood, and golden syrup flapjacks. The finish is balanced and floral, of medium length, with notes of mint toffee, malty biscuit, aniseed, clove, peanut brittle, black pepper, and hickory smoke. May / August 2022 / May 2023

This is my first Ardbeg, and it's a beautiful peaty whisky! This spirit offers a balanced mix of earthiness, smoke, subtle sweetness, and citrus. The nose presents roasted nuts, ash, a faint hint of smoke, and a lot of bandages. The palate reveals earthy notes along with smoky ash, lemon, dark chocolates, iodine, and a refreshing sea salt spray. The medium to long finish leaves a pleasant lingering impression of chocolate, ash, and salt. - Nose: Roasted nuts, ash, and smoke bandages. - Palate: Earthy, smoky ash, lemon, dark chocolates, iodine, and sea salt spray. - Finish: Medium to long, with chocolate, ash, medicinal notes, and salt.

Nose: Rich, sweet, and pungent smoke, with a pleasant spicy/smoky charred oak. A deep, syrupy sweetness from the PX influence. Creamy vanilla, a hint of smoked meat, strong sea air, and maritime peat. Possibly seaweed? A touch of cocoa and cinnamon. Palate: Intense Islay peat, bold salinity, and coastal earthiness with satisfying robust smokiness. As it develops, a subtle underlying PX sweetness emerges, slightly sticky and earthy with notes of dark/red/dried fruit. Creamy vanilla, a hint of black pepper, and spicy oak. Finish: Creosote, dried dark fruit, and phenolic peat.

Nose: Features the signature Ardbeg smoke, fresh charred oak, and a pleasant wintery/oaky spice, possibly from the French Oak vat or perhaps the Virgin oak. Sweet pipe tobacco, Luxardo cherry, and PX notes emerge with a nice sticky black cherry/plum. Palate: Rich, full, and sweet. It begins with vanilla, red currant, and creamy malt, quickly shifting to classic Ardbeg characteristics of meaty/hammy smoke and a strong briny/seaweed presence. Finish: Peppery with a hint of bitter cocoa powder. It's lengthy, as is common with many Islay expressions.

Aroma: Distinctive Ardbeggian smoked meat aroma, with earthy/mossy peat, toffee, ash, leather, and a strong coastal saltiness. Certainly detects some of the spice from the charred virgin oak. Taste: Well-balanced with a pleasant warmth. The prominent peatiness quickly yields to a touch of candied/dried fruit sweetness, accompanied by noticeable vanilla and nutmeg. The maritime saline character remains strong throughout. A subtle hint of tobacco emerges as it moves to the finish. Finish: A warming, spicy finish with a hint of anise.