Ardbeg
Scotland
Single Malt
An Oa is named after the Mull of Oa in the south west of Islay, which offers the Kildaton coast (where Ardbeg distillery is situated) some protection from the worst the Atlantic has to offer! As such, Ardbeg An Oa is intended to show a more approachable side to Ardbeg single malt that's as rounded as the Oa peninsula, without losing the characteristic distillery style. In the summer of 2017 this became the first addition to Ardbeg's core range in over a decade.
Maturation took place in a combination of casks including Pedro Ximénez, charred virgin oak and ex-bourbon, which were all brought together to marry in Dr. Bill Lumsden's new 'Gathering Vat'!
This sweet, creamy Ardbeg offers notes of butterscotch, fennel seed, tobacco leaf, Honey Nut Clusters and hints of mixed boiled sweets (fruit, Everton mint and menthol). The citrus notes are subtle and rich, coming through as flourless orange cake.
Still plenty of peaty oomph, although perhaps lighter in body. Notes of cigars and golden syrup flapjacks with sweet black tea on the tail and hints of chocolate limes.
Smoky treacle lingers with a little peanut brittle.
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Having tried the 10 year, Ueagadail and Corryvrecken, this was the only one I was yet to try. I thought it was absolutely lovely, and actually reminded me of Lagavulin 16 year. The peat is a lot more refined and balanced with everything else than your typical ardbeg where the peat is usually very up front and in your face. Overall I actually feel this may be my favourite ardbeg, it's certainly a close tie with Ueagadail, this ones certainly smoother in my opinion. If you like lagavulin 16 year you'll love this and at £48 i'd say it's maybe better value for money.
Excellent service. Item carefully packed and delivered in good time.
Long term consumer of Ardbeg, best to date in my Rarely Humble Opinion has been the 1998 An Oa stands before me as I type, no age statement but still very civilised for a 46% ABV, smoother than most Ardbeg. True Ardbeg Head Bangers might prefer the 10 YO… Each unto their own… Hard boiled Ardbeg drinkers might consider it to be for “softies”, but for my money (and it was my money) a great dram
An Ardbeg whisky through and through but with a lighter peating, very drinkable with a great balance of flavour.
Outstanding, quickly becoming my favorite of all the smoky, peaty single malts. It has a somewhat sweet and spicy taste and leaves a nice, almost butterscotch aftertaste. Extremely smooth (better than the 10 Year-old) and quite nice with a splash of water or even (horrors) over a couple of ice-cubes. (Please don't take my scotch-drinker card away from me for that.)
