Single Malt
Scotland
No
Yes
This stunning expression from Islay's Ardbeg distillery on the Kildalton Coast is named after a nearby loch (pronounced "Oog-a-dal"). It's the perfect example of how sweet and savoury notes can work together spectacularly - you'll find Ardbeg's maritime salinity intact here, combined with dried fruit notes imparted by time spent in sherry casks. Kind of like when you mix sweet popcorn and salty popcorn together, it results in something absolutely wonderful.
Multifaceted, notes of peat and little flourishes of dark sugar, freshly ground espresso beans, cereal notes and a most sophisticated tar.
Led by sweet, ripe fruit and black forest honey. A good helping of malt. The throne then usurped by a powerful peat and smoked barley.
Very long, caramel and malt weave their way through peat smoke and dark sugar and just a hint of fresh espresso coffee before it finally peters out.
Such deft balance! How wonderful to sample Ardbeg so beautifully complimented by sherry.
One of the best. Period.
We bought a bottle of this yesterday and I'm so excited!
I do not pay any attention to completely negative views of any whisky, especially when there are so many positive ones; as in the case of Ardbeg Oogie. Had to try it after reading all the 'controversy.' For sure, taste is personal. But if you like Islay whisky . . . peat, smoke; and if you like sherried whisky (Higland Park, Macallan), this is the best of both. I love sherried whisky and love peat and smoke. This is the perfect marriage of the two. I love Lagavullin, Talisker, Laphroig and others, but this is it. I have been trying many and have found the perfect whisky for me. And the price is very reasonable. The color, nose, taste . . . is superb! Don't listen to negative comments; try if for yourself.
This is an excellent Cask Strength Islay Scotch Whisky. I've had it a few times and never grow tired of it. The sherry finish is a delightful contrast to the strong peat that Arbeg is known for. I would advise other reviewers to understand what it is you are drinking before leaving a negative review on something, because it's "too peaty" or "doesn't mix well". This is a single malt whisky....you don't mix it with soda....it's from Islay, it's going to be peaty...it's what the island is known for. If you are not a scotch whisky enthusiast, keep that in mind before leaving something ignorant on here and bringing down the rating on an excellent dram. I said good day Sir!
I tried almost all of the islays, and to be honest this was not as impressive as I thought it would be by all the hyped up reviews it gets. Its definetly a wellcrafted spirit and i would buy a bottle again, but I was not superimpressed to be honest. Expected a little more. Maybe next batch? I will give it another shot.
