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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Very nice dram indeed. There's lots of flavours you can pick apart here. Sit down, relax and spend some time with it. I find An Oa a much better whiskey than the regular Ardbeg 10. Delicious ?
Sweet/salty licorice, dried seaweed, warm earthy smoke, complex, baked yellow apples and much more... Don't review the "neckpour". It gets even better... with some time and air in the bottle.
Just as I posted my review, I got what this whisky is about. I'm sticking to my original score, what I said about it not being a traditional Ardbeg stands and it won't be everybody's cup of tea. The "missing" bit at the front of the nose is there from the PX, I guess I was just so overwhelmed by the minty/menthol/eucalyptus vibes that I couldn't focus on it. So actually I maybe would buy it again, but it won't be what what comes to mind when I want Ardbeg.
We've all got our personal tastes and whilst I would go so far as to maybe agree this is more complex than 10, I just don't dig it as much. The composite flavours just don't mesh well to me (and I like many different whisky styles), and it certainly doesn't taste like an Ardbeg. The nose is great, the taste is alright, but the finish is very dry and a bit eucalyptus like. Overall it is missing something to balance it out... this might sound bananas, but I think in 3D with flavour and I'd say this is harsh on the front of the tongue and back of the nose, and is missing something in the front of the nose and sides of the tongue. Good luck figuring out what that means. My curiosity is satisfied but I don't think I'll buy this again. It is by no means a bad whisky, so don't let this review put you off, but don't buy it expecting the usual Ardbeg fare.
I think this is my 2nd favourite Ardbeg. It's not as rich as the Uigeadail and not as high strength as the corry. But it has something unique. It's reminiscent of a well stored cigar. Its a wee nip of smooth sweet wood. For the price, can't fault it.
