Ardbeg's Wee Beastie is a youthful single malt drawn from a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, bottled up at five years of age. Peaty notes sit at the fore for this one, with oak somewhat taking a back seat, since... Well, y'know, it didn't stay inside those casks for too long. However, don't mistake that for meaning Wee Beastie is an uncomplex expression. It still packs a satisfying flavour profile that should impress many of the Ardbeg aficionados out there.
There’s sea spray, rock pools, smoked malt and damp bonfire wood initially which waves of sweet and slightly vegetal smoke powers through. Hints of brown sugar, pear drops, a little vanilla and cooked apple add sweetness among notes of spare ribs, lemon sherbet, black pepper and wood shavings. I love this nose, it’s smoky and musty and like standing by a seaside bonfire.
The palate is very pleasantly sweet and salty. Citrus oils and orchard fruits are present along with an unmistakable dark berry tartness which is joined by plenty of damp peat and dry wood smoke. Adding depth there’s pepper steak, creosote and then some touches of clove and liquorice. In the back-end, there’s a juicy sweetness from lychee and peaches as well as just a touch of salted caramel.
The finish is exceptionally long and oily. It’s a bit like sucking on a lemon sherbet and taking a great big whiff of some freshly cut peat, to be honest. While standing on a beach. Lovely.
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Simply delicious. Beautiful combination of flavours, bonfire, toast, spiced dark chocolate. A complete barbeque for the taste buds. Amazing what these master distillers can do with a 5 year old. A really lovely dram at a great price.
So your a classical enthusiast but buying your first punk album. Wee Beastie has the killer chords to make you realise what you've been missing.
Not as smooth as some more mature Islay malts, but enjoyable. A relative who had to stop drinking alcohol, found a very, very dilute glass of this still had an aroma and taste that proved an acceptable blast from the past, and an alternative to the alcohol free beers!
Very smoky and peaty. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Everyone who has given 1 star ⭐️ simply doesn’t like Islay whiskey. It’s like ordering a beef burger knowing you’re a vegan. OF COURSE you’re not gonna like it or eat it!
Received this bottle as a gift and whilst I am grateful I can't help wondering if its some kind of practical joke. I can't say I'm a connoisseur of obscure malts but this has a nose and taste of coal tar products (itchy scalp shampoo springs to mind). Can't say I'll risk another drop. Shame really
