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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What a great addition to the Ardbeg line up. Really enjoyable and quaffable, yet a serious whisky. I'm sure this one attract many new Ardbeg lovers.
Barely drinkable.
Definitely aimed at attracting a different kind of whisky lover. Slightly lighter and less smoky. yet very satisfaying and complex. Reminds a little of the very lovely Dark Cove. Ardbeg quality at a good price. Please only take note of reviews where someone actually tasted the whisky, unlike the reviewer below who clearly hasn't. What a dull cry for help.
I cant get Oa the price of an Nas whisky after the Ardbeg perpetuum debacle i wont be buying Ardbeg any time soon.....i will stick to the little i have left of 77 78 and guaranteed 30!
The initial smell of subtle menthol, sweet breakfast cereal and a touch of peat, transforms into incredible sweetness with the addition of water/ice, with strong scents of artificial cherry and toffee apple. Tastes is oily, sweet breakfast cereal, subtle peaty smoke and cherry flavouring. Lingering oily finish and sweet, smokey BBQ sauce. Smooth and very moorish. Probably one of the best whiskey's I've experienced. On par with Uigeadail for it's complexity.
