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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One of the best around better than a lot of the more expensive bottles from other distilleries
I've had the 10yo, Ugi, Corry, and this one comes up poorly against those illustrious names (I'm yet to find a better whisky than the Ugi, at least within what I can afford). The An Oa is sweeter and shows off heavier sherry influence than the Ugi but singularly lacks in complexity. It's closer to the the Laphroaig PX (which I loved), but again lacks the complexity. What kills it for me is the thin, watery mouthfeel. I also get more young spirit -y flavor in this than what I'd have preferred. Net-net, tastes like a marketing gimmick more than the quality I've come to associate with Ardberg. Sadly
Fine by me and it's got a little spank and I like to drink.
Took one tiny sip tasted, horrible most disgusting bottle I have ever gotten. It smelled like plastic and took forever for me to get the taste out of my mouth.
It's not heaven, but close. Really enjoy this one. I enjoy this one more than 10 and uigie.
