Ardbeg An Oa

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.

This is good. A smoother expression. A few drops of water opens it up. I'd still stick with Ardbeg 1O.

Yeah... So this is awkward - I hate being the contrarian, but what a cosmic disappointment. It's an Ardbeg, so it's obviously not a failure, but it ain't Miss Universe either. Grassy notes with lemons and sweet smoke. Some seaweed here, some brine there, and an oily mouthfeel I can't complain about. I think my problem is the harmony. It's lacking. All the flavor notes are like accomplished soloists, but as a choir... It's not working. If the Ardbeg 10 is Boyz II men, the An Oa is All-4-One. I swear.