Ardbeg Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky 10YO 700ml

NOTES

Reputedly once the hideout of a gang of smugglers, there was a family of MacDougalls at Ardbeg since 1798, one of whom started a legal distillery in 1815. The family retained its interest in the distillery until 1977, when it was sold to Hiram Walker. Allied Distillers bought it in 1989 and sold to the present owners, Glenmorangie, in 1997. Ardbeg Distillery's white-washed walls can be found nestling in a rocky cove on Islay's southern tip. In 2004, the Distillery was voted Visitor Attraction of the Year by readers of Whisky Magazine.

TASTING NOTES

The nose displays exceptional balance and depth. At full strength the aroma is a beguiling mix of toffee and medicinal phenols. Fresh citrus and floral notes of white wine are evident as are melon, pear drops, general creaminess, fresh phenolic aroma of sea spray (iodine) and smoked fish. Hickory and coffee emerge later as the most volatile top notes fade. The palate displays an initial moderate sweetness that is rapidly followed by deep peat notes and tobacco smoke which then gives way to treacle sweetness and liquorice. The mouthfeel is at first astringent, mouth watering, full and finally dry. Ardbeg 10 year old finishes long and smoky. A smoky sweetness is left on the palate followed by a crushed peat and sweet malted cereal character.

OTHER REVIEWS

Nose: Astoundingly smoky, yet delicate with subtle tarry notes behind. With water the smoke dies a little and raisin and caramelised apple notes emerge. Palate: An immediate waft of peat smoke. Full, robustly flavoured with turf and lapsang souchong tea. Finish: Salty, long and filled with fragrant peat reek. Comment: A punch in the chops from a stroppy Islay middleweight. Flavour-packed yet delicate.

RATED: 9/10 - tasting note sourced from www.whiskymag.com