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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I didn't expect the mild flavour in an Ardbeg. It's lost it's character, in fact its lost it's Ard and is left Beggin. A nice drink, but not an Ardbeg
I’ve become wary of reviews of malt whisky. Some are dismissed and I wonder whether the reviewer has been eating chocolates or something beforehand. On a clean palate then, this is sensational. The creaminess envelopes all the other flavours listed above while giving each a pure identity. Maybe the best whisky I’ve ever had.
I have tasted Ardbeg many years ago, don't even remember which one. Now I wanted to try again. An Oa kicks very hard, if you take it neat, so don't. Add some water and let it rest a couple of minutes. After s few sips it begins to taste better. Finnish is quite long, a bit grassy and slightly dry. Not bad, but... (R)
Nose: Smoke (woodsmoke) immediately with a hint of vanilla. Smoke fades and is replaced by sweetness and a hint of mulling spices (anise is notable) Palate: Smoke (woodsmoke) blending into fresh tobacco, a touch of seasalt, juicy oranges and molasses sweetness. Finish: smoke lingers, long, with a touch of lingering sweetness. Recommended to Ardbeg and Islay fans, although personally this is neither here nor there for me. The Ardbeg 10 is still perfect for that Ardbeg character at a decent price discount from, while a step up to the Uigeadail (bottled at 54.2% abv) is more rewarding.
Outstanding ballance of smoothness , sweetness and peaty taste.
