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.
Long mouth feel aftertaste of dry wood sherry barrels. Not a strong smell. Not a strong taste, but very good. Extremely smooth. At least 15 seconds mouth feel after drinking of dry wood. , recommended and highly recommended for price point. - Vard
A total shock to the system. Quite simply full of flavour and a wonderful intense experience. Great for a cold night to give yourself a heat. Utterly tremendous
A great whisky, but not as good as the Corryvreckan. For a few pounds/dollars more the comparison is notable. I trust Jim Murray as his palate is similar to mine but for me this is about a 95. - it's that good!
uigeadail: colour, smell, taste all in unison. The lightness of 10y Ardbeg is gone, smoke still prevails, but the basis is more complex reminding aromatic wood/tar/liquorice originating from ximenes barrels. The whole body kicks in immediately with the same weapons already present to your nose. Plus the pepper, all over you mouth. Aftertaste, essentially the same, does not seem to subside at all. Deep, intense, even aggressive.
I don’t profess to being a whisky expert or anything close. In fact my journey with whisky is in it’s very early stages. With that in mind, I cannot comment on past batches and the declining quality some note below. All that aside, this is as close to perfection as I have come so far. Easily the most complex whisky I have ever tried. It is an extremely rich and bold expression from Ardbeg. Medicinal like layers of heavy peat eventually give way to a lovely honey sweetness courtesy of the sherry butts. The peat returns in the finish which goes on and on. Despite the cask strength it’s not at all too much for the palate but a few drops of water here and there and you’ll find the sweet spot. Frankly it’s hard to think of something equal or better at this kind of price. Top marks all around and worthy of a place in anybody’s cabinet.
