A potent aroma, rich and peaty with abundant iodine, briny seaweed, ozone, smoky but resinous cherrywood, a sprinkle of black pepper, a hint of licorice root and star anise, some rosemary, sweet florals, honey, vanilla, and a touch of citrus zest. It's much sweeter on the tongue than the nose implies. Smoky, earthy, and peppery, yet delightfully sweet. Rich buttercream frosting on burnt vanilla cake, toffee and coffee, more star anise, cayenne, cinnamon, and key lime pie with toasted meringue. Legs form fast but linger, with heavy, healthy uniform veins subtly dissolving into a dense cloud of plump droplets. The mouthfeel is velvety, becoming waxy after swallowing. It's generally on the lighter side of full-bodied. The finish is lengthy, peaty, grassy, oaky and tannic, briny, and reminiscent of salted caramel and dark chocolate with walnuts. Nose:9 Palate: 10 Body: 9 Finish: 10
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Batch 3 (2021)
Whiskey Scotch Islay 19 Year 46.2% ABV
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About this bottle
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan (pronounced TRI VAN) is the third release in the distillery's permanent 19-year-old offering. Crafted in limited quantities and introduced annually, this whisky is named for Islay's Traigh Bhan beach, also known as "the Singing Sands." This particular batch incorporates a modified cask selection to impart a spicier flavor. Every batch features a unique code, symbol, and signature from a notable team member; this one bears the signature of Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg's Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation. It is presented at 46.2% ABV and became available in September 2021.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 8 parsed reviews.
Very briny on the nose compared to the 10 year old, almost like a blind Laphroaig. Loads of salty seaweed, but also smoke, all nicely coated by pear and stone fruit. The signature ashy explosion of Ardbeg comes in the latter half, with a touch of marinated ginger to balance it out. It's clear to me that the bourbon barrels used for this scotch are much more active than those used for the regular 10 year old (which I also adore). In short, a hyper complex and generous scotch. Absolutely fantastic!
Smells like wood sap and smoked brown sugar. A bit bitter, like unripe nuts. Honestly, we had just finished a tasting of cask strength Laphroiag right before, so I don't think this expression received the appreciation it deserved. I'll keep an eye out for it if it ever becomes available in the states.
Intense peat aroma, yet light overall. Clear but not overwhelming. Peat and sweetness on the tongue, spicy smoke with vanilla and toffee underneath. Loads of fire, which blends with that spice. Cinnamon lingers very clearly at the end.
Absolutely perfect. This is the kind of whisky you'd anticipate, with all the flavors arriving as expected. You will definitely enjoy this one. Yes!
Milder than the regular Ardbeg. Tasty!
2 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
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