Ardbeg An Oa

Nose: wet grass, earthy/musty peat, brine with a touch of seaweed, hint of over ripe orange citrus, subtle bbq smoke Palate: moderately oily, quite smooth, earthy peat forward with more subtle aged steak Finish: burst of bbq smoked meat and peat, cut grass, late bitter chocolate

In all the world of Scotch is there a more perfectly marketed brand? The logo is designed to look like it was forged by a Norse god and they drive a big ass monster truck around that billows smoke like an ancient dragon.... Then of course there was the attractive woman that was passing out samples and tshirts that suckered me in on this bottle specially packaged in a perforated tin shaped like a smoker..... And here I am a Islay hater with a new bottle of Ardbeg.... At least my wife enjoys a more peated dram so this won't go to waste. All this being said this is the least smokey of the brand so here are my thoughts. Nose is well smokey, but I will say it isn't offensive. This is much more of a bbq smoker feel than a campfire. Maybe I should pair this with some brisket next time. First sip is pretty damn peaty to me. I know some of the Islay lovers will say this is mild, but it is toeing the line of what I personally can enjoy. The smoke comes on strong at first, but subsides a bit to let some toasted marshmallow notes through (well maybe more like the ones that accidentally get lot on fire before you put them out). There is a mild burn that comes on near the end of the sip that stretches out to a fading smoke finish. Well if you haven't yet figured I am going to say overall this one is smokey. I can't say I love it unfortunately despite all of the branding and marketing telling me I must to maintain my manly stature. I guess this is a good entry dram if you are looking to drift toward the Islay. I think I will stick with the fruit forward Scotches that better fit my palate.