There is a new Ardbeg in town! Not a special release as we have seen a lot in recent years, but a new addition to their core range. Named after the Mull of Oa, the most southwesterly point of Islay, Ardbeg An Oa is also a no age statement whisky.
According to the distillery, Ardbeg An Oa is a marriage of several cask types. Which contains whiskies from Pedro Ximenez, virgin charred oak, and ex-bourbon casks, amongst others. Bottled at the decent strength of 46.6% ABV.
Ardbeg An Oa tasting notes:
Nose: Plenty of vanilla, and that Ardbeg peat smoke coming through. A hint of seaweed and a bit briny. At first quite sweet, but the vanilla is making place for lemon. It also becomes saltier. And a slightly metallic note on the background. With water: even a bit floral, a bit of cookie dough and the peat dissapears.
Taste:Â It’s briny and peated, but combined with some fresh citrus notes. Then there is some lovely sweetness from vanilla and honey. Followed by a handful of spices, like cinnamon, ginger and white pepper. Water does not work here. Not bad,
Finish: The finish dissapears rather quickly. The sweetness is gone and it leaves you with peat, ash and again that metallic note.
It’s nice, but nothing too special. I see why it is added to the core range, as it is quite different from the others. But I prefer the Ten over this one.
