Ardbeg An Oa

If you are a fan of Ardbeg 10, then this could be a surprise. Good, a little confusing, but balanced. However, I prefer Ardbeg 10 and sherried whisky separately.

Standard peat and brine on the nose with a suggestion of something sweet. Said sweetness comes out of hiding on the palate: it's not aggressive, but wrapped up in rich woody features that only hint at the toffee, vanilla, and plum of sherry rich casks. Ultimately superbly balanced against the smoky forces of a true Islay scotch: the best of both worlds: silk on fire.

Can't go wrong with Ardberg. You get their signature peat with an added sweatness. It's not as complex as the 10YO or the Ugi but still a highly enjoyable dram.

Lovable ardbeg but in a sweetened form.

Charcoal, grilled steak, apples, lemon, cherry, graham cracker, toasted caramel corn, brown sugar, oak, salted nuts, cigar ash, tobbaco leaf, tea.

Very mild with a little after urn on the lips and tongue.