A phenomenal whisky packing powerful peaty deliciousness, Ardbeg 10 Year Old is a favourite of many whisky lovers around the world. Produced on the Kildalton Coast of Islay, this single malt matures for a decade before being bottled without any chill-filtration. If you're after a whisky full of coastal air, smoke and more, this is exactly what you want.
A ridge of vanilla leads to mountain of peat capped with citrus fruits and circled by clouds of sea spray.
Sweet vanilla counterbalanced with lemon and lime followed by that surging Ardbeg smoke that we all know and love.
Long and glorious; sea salted caramel and beach bonfire smoke.
Precise balance, big smoke and non-chill filtered. This is why this is such a famous dram.
Seriously, if you don't like the whiff of phenolics then why even try a peated malt, let alone a monster like this from Islay? To those reviewers pouring it down the sink, you really need to research it before spending any serious money, the variation in signature flavours across the regions are huge, and not to be underestimated. So, the negative reviews are mostly because the palate does not like the signature smoke and peat, and not because this is a poor whisky; it's not, it's a member of some if the greatest examples if the genre.
I am sorry, I am drinking whisky for about 3 years now. I am into the sherried and sweet whiskys. They told me that this is a must for any whisky lover but i disagree. It is so intens smoky for someone who never drinks peaty whisky. It sure be a great whisky but i cant get this down... disgusting haha!
I was hesistant to go for something I knew would be quite different to what I'd had before with this one (as I'd hitherto stuck mostly to the Speyside malts my more experienced friends recommended). I am quite new to whisky. I picked Ardbeg as it was clearly going to be very different. I'll admit I bounced off of this one the first time I tried it. The initial pour made it clear I was in for something strong when all I could smell was smoke. I tasted smoke, rubber, and cheese? Not a great start. But I appreciate that some things require you to come to them before you really get all they can offer. A couple of sessions later and this one has rocketed near the top of my (limited) set of faourite whiskys. Once you adjust to the massive smoke/peat punch there's quite a lot to taste. The nose still hits me as pure smoke with some sea smell (brine/salt?) but the taste reminds me of apples, pears, more salt and something sharp. The finish lasts for a good while, the smoke still leading the way, though I even think of chocolate and lemons sometimes. Ardbeg, like most of the Islay malts I imagine, will probably clarify whether you enjoy peat/smoke taking the lead in your whisky. If you're new to this spirit or haven't tried this type yet just be aware of that. You'll smell smoke in your glass and taste it on your tongue. It's the embodiment of autumn air when everyone's got log fires going. Once you're used to the smoke I'd say there's more fruity flavour than Laphroaig 10 year old (which I had the opportunity to try recently). If you buy the bottle and are disappointed perhaps try leaving it uncorked for a half hour and giving it some time in the glass with a few swishes. The core flavour won't change but you may find it opens up for you a little more. As a novice this is definitely a whisky to test yourself with, and potentially open yourself up to the smoky side of things (which I know now I heartily enjoy). If you can get a sample it'd probably be a good idea!
Was looking forward to reviewing my first peated whiskey and I have to say I'm noticing almost no complexity at all it's pure iodine all the way to the finish with a light smoke I'm beginning to wonder if recent batches aren't what they used to be but as a new comer I wouldn't know
Tried Talisker 10 absolutely loved it death. Bought a bottle of this thinking it would be similar. huge mistake. Basically what I would describe as the equivalent of liquid tar. I can't take Jim Murray seriously anymore, not after rating this whisky of the year. That bloke is a complete numbskull...
