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.
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The image that my mind conjures up with this gorgeous liquid is as follows; "gathering driftwood on a West of Scotland island, on the edge of winter, with picnic basket nearby. I build a small beech fire and settle for a wee break in the day. With marshmallow on a stick, wrapped in bacon and dipped into a tub of maple syrup, I proceed to roast in the fire. After only a few seconds, I then savour all of the tastes! The smoky, meaty, sweet and a little salinity from the sea breeze, my eyes are closed and I am in a dream! What a stunning dram and FYI, this is my all time go to from Ardbeg, amazing flavour profile, deserving of 5 stars.
The Dot 2 of the Octomore series are always special treat for me due to its availability and price. This ardbeg makes the Octomore seem overpriced at times. This or the Correyreckon? I have a small preference on the Correy, but this is still very very good, considering I don’t normally like sherry. And this is a good representation of how a no age whisky can still be good.
BRILLIANT!????
Excellent for a core expression affordable luxury malt it's pretty damn tasty. Peaty , smoke, fruit, lemon and coastal flowers, definitely worth a try. You won't be disappointed. Everyone palate is individual so only thing to do is try it. It's a very good one
I’m shocked by some of the reviews, suggesting it’s watery or easy to drink. I drink a lot of different whisky regularly and this goes straight to my number one spot. Many whiskies these days are bottled ready to drink (neat), which is my preference. This one is strong and complex, it demands a touch of water to open it up, I would suggest that you start neat and gradually add water, noting how it changes. If you like Ardbeg in general, you’ll love this one.
