Tastes

I've rated other whiskys higher, but given the choice of one, and none of the others, this would probably be it. What I enjoy most about the Ardbeg 10 is it seems to change for every mood. Sometimes my tongue burns, with medicinal peat taking the front seat. Other times I'm surprised by how sweet and honeyed it is, with the smell of almonds and hazelnuts, and how the peat has a warmth, not a hot heat. It's always good, and always satisfies. 4 1/2 stars.

The sting of the alcohol numbs the taste buds early on, with a modest wave of peat (I’ve had it with water, but tonight I think it works best without). At the halfway point, the saltana sweetness kicks in (seems to build a little with each mouthful). There’s a slight balsamic sourness on the edges, or maybe an espresso acidy. At the end, I’m left with leather, burned wood, and light bitterness. It’s good, but expensive down here (everything is). On a budget, the 10 year old is money better spent for me. Empty glass 10 minutes later smells amazing though...

This is a friend's favourite, and a recommendation when I was just getting into scotch a year or so back. I gave it time, I really, really tried, but it just didn't get interesting. Pepper, then cereal, and brown sugar, with a...puff of peat mixed in. All of it's parts sound nice, but just don't seem to mix well (not enough to make me want to drink it)...donated the 1/2 bottle left to my friend, who'll appreciate it much more than me.

40ABV- watered down for the Australian market (and we probably pay a higher price for the diluted version). Maybe the 45% is a better experience, but this version is bland- orange, oak, brown sugar, and a lot of water.

3 1/2 stars