Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Batch 1 (2019)

Bitter sweet finding this today. Recently one of the best people in the Ohio/kentucky whisky world was let go from his job and frankly I'm a bit sour about it. But hey with a release like this, they're going to sell out, best to get my bottle and pass on more available options down the road. So sour grapes aside, Traigh Bhan, my most anticipated dram of the year. Lets dig in. Nose - Ok full disclosure I've never had a whisky's description notes be so dead on for me. First nose without any real time in the glass and I get a common theme of a candy cigar and light smoke. Yeah I know, nothing special here. It's however pretty smokey given the 19 years of age. Once it opens just a hair there's lemon lime with a heavy lime note. This of course is an ardbeg classic note. I then get perhaps a smoked pineapple. Taste - More of the lemon but some sour and bitter pineapple notes as well. Spicy notes, there's a real hot spice note here that I don't get often in Ardbeg. The smoke is a bit refined but it isn't lacking in some punch either. Anyone worried that 19 years would let the smoke fade too much I think you'll be impressed. This is really fruity, spicy, and I can see some touches of chocolate going on. My first impression was it was a bit thin but on second though maybe it's not. I can't tell if there's some sherry casks in here or what ardbeg is doing. I don't believe this is 100% bourbon maturation, but I can't place what the other barrels are. The spice makes me think european oak but the chocolate note and some of the sweetness means it is almost assuredly oloroso (doubtful it is european oak in that case). Water is actually bringing down the lime and giving me a bit more sherry notes. 299.99 USD retail vs 169 pounds. No wonder it sold out in the UK...they're screwing the rest of the world and no shocker american's are buying this stuff up from over there. This is just beyond stupid pricing and it is hurting the home market despite on the surface looking to be a favor to them. But pricing aside, should you buy it? Yes. This is absolutely outstanding whisky. Should you get a second? That's where the price point has me passing. I can't see getting a backup at 300 bucks. 300 is at the high HIGH end of my normal comfort zone and I have a feeling most don't want to spend that ever. It's over priced, but it's just so dang good. 4 stars, this is exceptional without reaching into the truly rare and special levels.

Coming in 3rd in our tasting last night at @Richard-ModernDrinking’s, behind Michter’s 10yr 2019 rye and Octomore 10 Dialogos. As much as I absolutely refused to buy this and give in to the Ardbeg pricing machine, just out of personal philosophy, I admit...this is damn good. Not to the level (or price ) of the older 22, but much better than its siblings. As to be expected. Wet ropes, tar, OILY, real oily. Day after a campfire by the beach. Smoked fish over coals. Really well made. Worth the $300USD? That’s individualistic. I’m still not going to buy, but I admit...it’s freakin good. Thanks @Richard-ModernDrinking for the pour and take home sample!

Nose: smoky wood dominant, some chocolate Palate: sweet caramel, peaty and smoky as always, the label's tasting note shows "chilli chocolate" which I agree is a great descriptor. Strong flow back from throat after swallowing Finish: Lingering on the chocolate sweetness

Very smooth, rich and complex. Well balanced in all areas of Ardbeg signature notes.

Nose: Soft smoke, salt, cloves, nectarines, lemon. Refreshing! Invigorating! Mouth: Dark mint chocolate with a dusting of chili, hint of pineapple, a juicy salmon off the barbecue; the smoke is very well balance and integrated. The flavors tilt more to the bourbon influence than the sherry - I’d guess the barrels are 80% the former. Finish: Creamy, dark chocolate, plum, menthol smoke, ends dry and a touch tangy. Elegant and sophisticated, this tastes like it was bottled on a cool summer evening rather than during a storm, as the bottle proclaims. It’s recognizably Ardbeg and yet distinct from the rest of the core range. While it faces the same problem as every Ardbeg release that has to justify its existence in the shadow of the 10 and Uigeadail, it’s a much stronger contender than An Oa, the last permanent addition to the range. I’m not sure I could recommend buying a whole bottle at this price, but it’s definitely worth sharing one with a friend. A great start to the new whisky season.

Time to find a bottle