Tastes

I started off not liking this whiskey. I felt like the malt was overwhelmed by the new barrels, which led to an astringent flavor. It’s either grown on me, or the oxidation has really had an effect because now it seems like a whole different whiskey. The maltiness really comes through now, and it has a spicy backdrop almost like a rye. It tastes very much like an American version of a scotch. Unlike the review, I think it does have an interesting finish. Although it’s somewhat short initially, the flavor tends to return after a few moments.

Very enjoyable bourbon. I don’t know if it was the generic (in my opinion) bottling that always turned me off to this whiskey, but I was pleasantly surprised to find so many good flavors. I can’t say this is very different from other bourbons with regards to the flavor profile, but it is noticeably robust and well rounded. Probably thanks to the extra aging. I’m a scotch/Irish guy, but this could be my go-to bourbon.

In addition to the oak vanilla and caramel, I’ve always picked up an odd chemical flavor on the finish. Not my favorite bourbon, but it does well mixed.

What immediately comes to mind is soft intense peat. Sounds like a contradiction, but I think that’s the sign of a good complex whiskey. There’s so many interesting flavors that come together in a rounded out profile, yet it’s hard to keep track of everything going on. It’s thankfully lacking the bitter citrus notes I get from 10. Long finish that wraps it up in a nice little bow. I stay engaged and pick up nuances all the way to the end of each dram. Definitely a whiskey to ponder over. My favorite Ardbeg so far.

Nose is totally different from your usual laphroaig.I get a sweet cherry jolly rancher smell. The peat on the palate is surprisingly more intense than expected given the nose. I honestly don’t get the expected sherry kick, it tastes similar to laphroaig 10 with a slightly different character that I find hard to pinpoint. With further deliberation I do pick out some sherry influence on the finish, but you definitely have to search for it.

Wow! reminds me of a lighter laphroaig (in a good way). I get a lot of sweet light honey flavor on the nose and palate. Plenty of peat, but it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors. Also I don’t get the sour/bitter notes I get with some other peated whiskeys. The long pleasant, smoky finish really leaves a lasting impression. Not super complex, but very enjoyable. I will definitely buy this and keep it in my rotation.

Definitely an assertive sherry bomb. I find it a little more pleasant and user-friendly than abunadh. Lots of dark dried fruits with a seemingly meaty or umami-esque backbone.