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About this bottle
Ardbeg's annual Traigh Bhan series, inspired by Islay's "Singing Sands" beach, is presented as Batch 5 (2023). This bottling utilized a larger proportion of oloroso sherry casks alongside American oak barrels for maturation compared to prior batches. Each batch is individually identified with a unique code, symbol, and the signature of a team member; this batch features Ardbeg's Distiller Manager, Colin Gordon. Bottled at 46.2% ABV, it is non-chill filtered. US availability commenced on September 18, 2023.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
ZZayden Kelly3.5
Salty lime with a hint of sweet smoke forms the core of an expressive aroma. The initial taste in the mouth is quite dry. Subsequent sips reveal lime, eucalyptus, and damp wood. The finish leans towards white pepper, lime zest, and tannins. The lime provides an enjoyable base for this whisky, but it lacks depth and borders on an oak influence that was almost too much for me. Worth sampling, but I wouldn't purchase a bottle based on this tasting experience.
AAlyce Chatman4.5
The aroma is less moist than batch 4, with sand, salt water, and smoke from a small campfire. The taste is pleasantly warming and smooth, featuring vanilla butter biscuit, green apples, hay, and a subtle hint of peat, leading to a finish that's slightly woody, dry, and clean. It's more clearly an Ardbeg, yet also refined and easy to enjoy. This is my preferred expression from the series thus far.
LLincoln Valles4.8
Smoky, sweet, tropical, and mellow.
Aroma: Raisins, Mangoes, Dark Chocolate, Honey, Smoke, Plums, Chili Peppers, Pineapples, Figs
Palate: Bacon, Toffee, Raisins, Vanilla, Chili Peppers, Blood Oranges, Honey, Seaweed, Strawberries
Finish: Mangoes, Raisins, Coal, Dark Chocolate, Mackerels, Tobacco, Leather
JJean Givens3.5
Very pleasant, but is it superior to Hypernova? It's different, not better. More like a traditional whiskey. Is it bitter? It has a deeper flavor profile. I prefer the lighter Hypernova.
HHailee Paniagua4.3
American oak from Ardbeg, 19 years old and 46.2% ABV. Batch 5 offers mango and tropical notes with a soft texture. The finish lingers, with a nice peaty and peppery sensation in the mouth.
