Ardbeg An Oa

I bought this bottle so I could complete going through the Ardbeg core range. As a fan of all things Islay and especially Ardbeg I was quite excited. Based on the descriptions and the blending process I was hoping it would slot in between the Ardbeg 10 yr and the Uigedal as far as flavour profile and smoothness but I was a little disappointed on that. The blending process seems to have muted some of the raw smoky power of the 10 year old and it doesn't have near the complexity that the Uigedal has. It's still a nice dram with layers of peat, brine and a hint of citrus and had I not had such high expectations of it it would have been great. For those looking to round out their Ardbeg portfolio it's still worth getting but as a staple Ardbeg to have in the cabinet I would either stick with the 10 yr or if I had the budget for it go with either the sublime Uigedal or the heavier hitter Corryvreckan.

nose- Woody, cedar plank, suppressed peat, lemony after aeration body- oily and thick, sweet, light smoke finish- hot, overpowering the typical peat and smoke that comes in an ardbeg is missing in this no age statement, it is far more wood forward, resulting in a less flavorful dram

Först söt, sedan Ardbeg:ig. Beskrivs som mintchokladig och det kan jag hålla med om (fast först efter att jag läst recension, så oklart, tyckte typ kola först).

Delicate for an Islay. Seaweed, damp leaves, baking spices, and that Ardbeg sweetness on the nose. Starts with olive oil and the spice creeps in with full force. Lingering black pepper and earth.