Ardbeg An Oa

46,6°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

New Charred and Bourbon Barrels, Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks, French Oak Finish

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

An edition that seems a bit experimental, with a triple maturation. Although ageless, I don't think it can be called entry level, the Ten is much easier to find.

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is an interesting mix between the vanilla influence of bourbon and a very maritime and thick peat. On the one hand seaweed, tide, spray, ash, tar, on the other a gentle sweetness, icing sugar. But little by little the peat rises, deeper, crushes the vanilla, imposes itself. After a while there is nothing else. On the palate, it is sweet at first, oily, then alcohol makes itself felt, and the peat. It's a bit young, but not too much, caramelized, honeyed, vanilla-like, syrupy. Finally the finish is typically Ardbeg, very vegetal, the peat rises, with damp wood. It's not worth the Ten but it's not bad at all.

 

In Short, 

It's a success, a softer version of the Ardbeg profile. Perhaps to be reserved for lovers of the distillery, although one may find it more accessible than the others expressions. Don't hesitate to get it.

Score : 86

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping : 

   

                                           Swell - Kinda Stoned