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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In blind tasting of Tallinn Whisky Club, Estonia, we voted An Oa to the top of our list of tastings from year 1998 (Corry, Uigeadail and 10YO are also in our top 10). Ardbeg's usual peated barley with perfect combination of three different casks make An Oa a bit darker and not very sweet, presumably because of charred cask. Yes, someone could complain that An Oa is younger than 10YO and more expensive but - it is worth the price. Thank you for proving that making an excellent whisky can take less than 10, 12, 15 or 25 years. The others should worry, not you :)
A sidestep from the 10 year. Good for a change of pace. Somewhat sweet, still very smokey. If you like the 10 year you will definitely enjoy this.
I had this today. I’ve had a dram or 3 everyday for 20 years. Now just like food single malts are preferred by some & not by others. So 365 x 10 = 3650 x 2=7300. Different single malts at least” All are have an individual colour, taste,finish,nose & palate. I really enjoyed this,just like the other 7300. Some pretentious twat said should be enjoyed by the novices. What an embarrassment you are. Different tastes in clothing,food,leisure time.
Very disapointed. Thin, my advice stick to ardbeg 10 year old, far superior
I think Ardbeg were trying to add to their core bottlings in the same way Laphroaig were when they added select. They've succeeded. Unfortunately.
