Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Ardbeg An Oa Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Product Story
Named for the Mull of Oa on the southwest of Islay this new expression from Ardbeg is one of the most exciting Whiskies of this year and perhaps the decade. This complex beauty is aged in a combination of cask types married in what Ardbeg likes to call a "gathering vat." Cask types for maturation include Pedro Ximénex Sherry, ex-Bourbon, and a bit of charred virgin oak. The combination of bold and lovely flavors along with the approachable price tag makes this a very popular Whisky for years to come.
Brand Story
Ardbeg is in the elite class of Scotch Whisky distilleries that enjoys a cult-like following. Officially founded in 1815, while it was likely the site of a distillery for much longer, Ardbeg has a common history of peaks and valleys. Multiple changes of ownership in the 1980s and 90s saw Ardbeg's doors closed and for a while in the 90s it was uncertain if it would ever reopen. Luckily Ardbeg did survive and today it is stronger than ever. Ardbeg is known to be the "Islay Styled" of all Islay distillers as their malts feature assertive peat aromas and flavors with loads of spice, seaweed, and sea salt along with a sweet, malty core. These are not Whiskies for the faint of heart. For those who love a bold and peaty Whisky, Ardbeg Single Malts are pure ambrosia.
Tasting Note
Brilliant golden color. The aromatics are incredibly generous and complex offering scents of dried fruits and rich caramel with toffee, butterscotch, oak, bonfire, peat, sea salt, ginger, and dark chocolate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush fruit and honey-driven core with assertive flanking notes of smoke, peat, anise, and toasted malt. Full-bodied, while certainly not as powerful as some Ardbeg expressions, with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity that tames the long, sweet finish.
How to Serve
Sip neat with minimal to no interference. Despite its 46.6% abv it drinks beautifully without water, but as in most cases, it really blossoms with a drop or two of water.
Price: $ 59.99
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