Ardbeg 10 - Let it transport your tongue to a wonderful place...
"Ardbeg 10" was my first delve into the Ardbeg range, and I was not dissapointed. I had previously only found one other peaty malt and stuck to it (my being a creature of habit: I stick to what I like and don't change). But, this Ardbeg 10 was a gift from another Malt man.
The first crack of the cork released a huge peaty blast from within. It was like releasing a peat genie from a bottle. The scent was instant.
I passed some into a glass and left to air for a few seconds. On the nose, this revealed a fire that had just gone out, leaving that wonderful smokey/burnt wood scent.
First sip, and held in the mouth: an instant hit of peat and burnt wood, accompanied by a moist earthy aroma on the back of the throat! Again, a truly pleasant taste!
I am a pipe smoker, and favour the traditional tobaccos of days long ago - like Digger Flake (still available today). As I sit with lit pipe and a glass of Ardbeg 10, the two compliment each other like they were meant to be together.
I am not usually a fan of adding water to my malts, but was curious to see what could be coaxed from this Islay malt. How much range has this whisky got?
An small dash of water added, swirled and mixed, and then tasted. The peaty fire had died down on the pallate, and I was this time greeted with a much more subtle flavour, still retaining the earthiness and wood aromas, still displaying the peat aroma. I did find a warm citrus after-taste at the back of the throat. It was lighter and had a "happier" more relaxed taste with bitter dark chocolate tones.
Upon finishing the first glass, if you breathed in through the nose with mouth closed, closed your eyes, you could still detect the outdoor smells. A peat fire, damp earth after a light rain, fresh leather (like new shoes) and a hint of sea-salt air as if actually standing beside the sea. This malt kept on giving pleasure, long after the glass was dry.
I recommend this malt to anyone who likes a peaty flavour to their whisky. It's not as strong as other peat loaded malts on the market, but to me, Ardbeg 10 has got the balance right on everything.
Enjoy it with NO distractions. No TV, No computer. Turn the lights out and have a few lit tea-light candles glowing on the mantle piece. Add a CD of your favourite easy listening songs and pour your first glass.
Close your eyes and wait....as your tongue transports you to the Western Isles in Scotland, where you will stand on the white sand beach, breath in the sea-salt filled air, smell the fresh cut peat, and feel the warmth of the fire that has been lit to welcome you.
No passport is required - Just a good taste in malt whisky. And with Ardbeg 10, you can travel far - without leaving the comfort of your favourite chair.
Rating: I give this whisky the full 10 points available.
David Gerrard. Banff. Aberdeenshire.
Trade
Winner of 14 awards
