Tastes

Was super excited about this when a friend decided to uncork his bottle. We poured two drams, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then jumped in. Biggest disappointment to an Ardbeg I've ever had. Almost nothing on the nose, the palette was bland and the finish was gone in a blink of an eye. Frustrated, we added 3 drops of water and waited 5 minutes. WOW! What a difference a few drops of water made. All of a sudden it became an Ardbeg. The nose popped of smoke and brine. We had to make sure we hadn't poured something else because it was so shocking. On the palette it came alive with campfire soot, salt spray and vanilla. Then the finish lingered for a good 8-10 seconds revealing more smokey wasps and a faint cranberry(??) glow. I'm not sure if this is a 4 star dram, but because of the Phoenix-like transformation it made with just a few drops of water it easily gets that grade from me for the experience alone. This one is a fun one to try with friends.

It's a high proof so don't stick your nose in and take a big huff. You'll definitely get a punch back. But let this sit for a bit and maybe add a drop of water and you'll be given some nice light florals, chocolate and nutmeg on the nose, more vanilla, chocolate and pineapple on the palette and a very warm mid to long finish. Very pleasant dram. Maybe more of a 3.7/5.

This barrel proof expression is one helluva dram. Smooth (especially for a barrel proof) and sweet. Hints of vanilla and oak. Fantastic stuff indeed.

Still one of my all time favorite bourbons for the price and taste. It doesn't "wow" you, but you can easily buy this easy entry level bourbon and sip it (with or without ice) or add it to a cocktail. Visited the distillery and a great experience. Should be on any bourbon lover's shelf if only to serve to guests that aren't sure if they like bourbon or not.