Ardbeg An Oa

Oh this is really good. It's not kick in the face Ardbeg 10 good, or the complexity of Uigi good---but right up there in a very different way. Wet tar and brine on the nose. Ropes sitting by the ocean. The aroma really takes me back to our cabin we rented on vacation in northern Norway on Lofoten Islands. I can smell this all day. Taste is oily and briny. Anchovies? I'm so glad this is part of the regular line up. And affordable too! Thanks to Richard@ModernDrinking. After having this, I bought a bottle immediately.

A bit spicy. Seems younger than other Ardbegs, not as complex or interesting. Still smoky.

The words "soft" and "gentle" come to mind but still the attitude of an Ardbeg. A little chewy, this is the middle child between Ardbeg 10 and Uigeadail. Solid dram! (3.5/5)

A lighter styled Ardbeg so the fans will likely give it a miss but a good entry for newcomers. The smoke is subtle and it's creamier with some nice spices and an intense finish Dan Murphy whisky tasting 13 sept 17

An Oa was bitter to me. The other special offerings are just not as smooth as the 10.

This is a well executed blend that should be more approachable for casual drinkers than a typical Ardbeg, yet is still true enough to its distillery’s character to make an appealing alternative for the fan base. The dominant flavors throughout are lemon and dark chocolate, a combination that’s hard to fault. There’s also a whiff of wet wood on the nose, which is less overpoweringly peaty than many an Ardbeg. You’ll find a sweet crescendo mid-palette as the sherry influence rises, followed by the peppery peat reasserting itself on the finish. A dash of water surprisingly extends the aftertaste. It’s not as complex or as pleasantly challenging as Uigeadail, but it’s enjoyable enough to keep in the home bar rotation. A welcome addition to the family.