Tastes

Classic Speyside. On the nose, I get a sweet and fresh aroma of fruits, vanilla, and a touch of maltiness. As you take it in deeper and swirl the glass a bit, a very nice buttery pear note emerges. The taste is rounded and smooth, with a sweet richness that is reminiscent of a good apple pie a-la-mode. No heat at all; this one goes down very easy. If I was introducing someone to Scotch for the first time, this would make the shortlist of drams I might start them on.

Right upfront, I’m greeted with the aroma of sweet green apples and vanilla. The palette matches the nose quite well, and you get some nice, crisp fruit and honey notes with subtle layers of oakiness and spiced shortbread— all amidst a delicious and creamy texture. While “refreshing” isn’t necessarily a word I’d really use to describe a whiskey often, if I was ever going to use it, I’d use it here. Green Spot is a lovely Irish that goes down easy and smooth. Definitely worth it for me.

Very enjoyable sipper. It’s a heavier, more substantial take on regular Ardbeg 10 (though this has no age statement, and I suspect it may be a little younger). More pronounced dark chocolate notes, a spicy character, and oilier mouthfeel. Surprisingly, it’s not a complete and total smoke bomb. The trademark peat is definitely there leading the charge, don’t get me wrong… but it’s not all-consuming. This Ardbeg actually has some balance. Overall, I’m a huge fan of this expression. It’s big, deep, and bold.