Ardbeg An Oa

A moment of stillness. Peated drams tend to bring me to those moments more easily since they're hard to ignore. Smoke beckons your attention and when done well, makes you coyly excited about nuances that you pick out amidst the haze.  Ardbeg's An Oa (pronounced An-Oh) is named after a peninsula in the southwest of Islay. This whisky is the output from a bespoke French oak Gathering Vat of mingled whiskies from casks including (but not limited to): Pedro Ximenez, ex-bourbon and new charred oak.  Rather than making you aware of its various components, the nose sings together in perfect harmony. It's a seductive serenade of sweet and savoury smoke. Well rounded BBQ-ed applewood planks, toffee, brine and a hint of ripe banana paint quite an interesting picture. Notes of toasted sweetgrass and vanilla waft in later on.  This rich, oily dram is pleasantly herbaceous. While there is a wave of smoke, it's far more gentle than what one might preconceive for Islay peated scotch. Savoury smoke is paired with light pepper, anise and nutmeg. The finish lasts infinitely long on your palate with a chocolate and mild bitter tobacco smoke reminder of what you just sipped. It leaves an aftertaste of torched wood that I enjoy (...I'd much prefer this on my breath than garlic). I'd consider this to be a step above an "introductory" peated whisky without spooking folks off in a palate fire. I appreciate the artistry and alchemy involved in creating this light golden dram that I'd imagine to be difficult to replicate.  8/10

Smokey smooth.

Classic Ardbeg but better!