Ardbeg An Oa Single Malt Whisky [1000ML]

Ardbeg An Oa. The first new, permanent addition to Ardbeg’s standard range for over a decade. An Oa takes its name from The Oa Mull, a rocky peninsula located in the southwest of Islay. This peninsula serves to protect South Islay (where Port Ellen, Lagavulin and Ardbeg are found) from the worst weather extremes of the North Atlantic.

As such, Ardbeg decided to name this gentler, more approachable whisky after this protective peninsula. Whilst slightly more drinkable than other expressions in the Ardbeg stable, this whisky remains distinctively Ardbeg.

Ardbeg An Oa is singularly rounded, due in no small part to time spent in the newly established bespoke oak Gathering Vat where whiskies from several cask types – including; sweet Pedro Ximenez; spicy virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others – familiarise themselves with each other. The result is a dram with smoky power, mellowed by a delectable, smooth sweetness. Hallmark Ardbeg peat, dark chocolate and aniseed are wrapped in smooth, silky butterscotch, black pepper and clove, before rising to an intense crescendo of flavour.

Non chill-filtered with a strength of 46.6% ABV.

Tasting Note

Nose: This sweet, creamy Ardbeg offers notes of butterscotch, fennel seed, tobacco leaf, Honey Nut Clusters and hints of mixed boiled sweets (fruit, Everton mint and menthol). The citrus notes are subtle and rich, coming through as flourless orange cake.

Palate: Still plenty of peaty oomph, although perhaps lighter in body. Notes of cigars and golden syrup flapjacks with sweet black tea on the tail and hints of chocolate limes.

Finish: Smoky treacle lingers with a little peanut brittle.

46.6% ABV