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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Big fan of Ardbeg, usually stick with Uigeadail but have finally decided to try this one. Straight away forget people who are saying the 10 is better than this. It's not. There is another level of complexity and an unmistakably deeper flavour profile, whilst at the same time is a lot smoother, which makes it more pleasant and that makes a big difference. There is a more underlying dried fruit sweetness carried through this one but at the same time, which I find interesting has an aniseed mint note coming through, whilst holding the usual peat. Add in the salt and toffee vibe in the finish and to be honest, you're talking a top whisky. Right up there with Uigeadail. This is definitely more complex and rounded than expressions such as talisker 10 and lagavulin 16. Highly recommend.
I've just got back to my An Oa, after sitting for 6 months at a 1/2 gone in the bottle. I liked it before but now after resting in the opened bottle for a while it is now fantastic. All the nose and flavours are there but the Fresh punchiness has gone, now its so smooth on the nose and palate and so rounded and smooth all over, lovely smoke and fruits, and nice finish. Definitely worth opening taking a couple of drams then put it back in the cupboard and leave it for a while. Its taken on a whole new dimension, Fantastic! (any original hammy ness has dissipated, which I think is good)
Such a well balanced whisky which benefits massively from 5mls of water in a double. Peat and distinctive sherry cask powerful taste in Absolute harmony.
This is a great idea from Ardbeg. Combining bourbon and sherry with the Ardbeg smoke will please an awful lot of whisky lovers. It’s a wonderful dram. It’s still says Ardbeg, and will be a success.
Thanks to Brandan, went out and purchased this one. Glad I did as it pulls back from the peat of the 10 just enough to let the charred oak come through. For those coaxing the palette to the stronger campfire, this one is a perfect bridge.
