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Ardbeg
Scotland
Single Malt
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.
£4.90 - £46.18
A seriously delicious drop without the serious dough. If you enjoy a peated dram, the Wee beastie hits the spot without exception. Delicious citrus with an ashy presence. Sweet and savory. Ardbeg hit it out of the park with this one .
Anyone new to Ardbeg should not be worried about the 'Wee Beastie' moniker; it's a wee smoky puppy but it has all the quality I've come to expect from an Ardbeg. This 5 yr old is a great introduction to Ardbeg and has layers allied to a quiet smooth delivery. Highly recommended given it's accessible price.
Having just enjoyed the excellent Arran's The Bodega, a relative persuaded me to buy an Ardberg Wee Beastie. This was a mistake as I found it rough, coarse and slightly unpleasant. I have now bought a Glenallchie 12 year old and an Isle of Harris The Hearach by following some proffesional advice.
Ardbeg has hit it out the park with this one. An excellent price for a savory peated single malt Scotch that stimulates the senses. Fresh citrus with notes of chocolate, caramel sherry and BBQ brisket rub with a a nice long finish. Truly a keeper!
It's certainly not excellent and while I agree with some of the comments from the reviewer saying it is offensive, I think it is drinkable and I've had worse NAS Islay bottling. It's rough and young and while it has some interesting flavours going on, the overall drinking experience isn't great and I think Ardbeg know this given their marketing blurb suggests using it in cocktails. Perhaps that's its best use: put those interesting flavours with something else that balances them. I don't think I'd buy this again, even if it was ten quid cheaper, unless I can find a good cocktail recipe.