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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If you know your islay's, you could definately pick this out in a blind test as Ardbeg. Ive tried most of them and still getting to know An Oa, but what ive found so far i like, and think its nearest to Oogy than any of the other Ardbeg expressions, & if i had to choose, i give this 9/10 & Oogy 10/10, purely on the fact that this is a tad 'lighter' and im one for as much sherry cask punch as possible.
I already have corryvreckan and I love it's depth and mysterious taste of darkness and small smoke. AN OA is smother which is nice if you want to tone things down slightly whilst still enjoying the smoke. Great value to.
If you like Ardbeg's other 'ultimate' whiskeys, you'll love this. The type of whiskey that makes drams you thought were alright taste one dimensional and bland in comparison. Love the apple seed and peaty sweetness. Bought my second bottle while half way through the first.
Absaloutly superb, if you like ardbeg you will love this. Definitely a must buy for peat lovers although the peat is not very heavy like other ardbeg this has layers of flavour that with every sip unravels more layers.
I must agree with the other 5 star ratings here. I've been an Ardbeg lover for many years and this is a truly worthy addition to the family.
