Ardbeg Wee Beastie

Subtle on the nose. Nothing jumps out and punches you. A little bit of an asphalt note, somewhat meaty and salty. It’s also surprisingly subtle on the palette as well. Not much bite, but tasty. More salt and brine. Something else I can’t put my finger on that’s a little more fruity. Was expecting something MUCH more aggressive. It’s good, but doubt I’ll buy another bottle.

Notes: *All w/ one Teaspoon of water added* Nose: Wet Oak, Funky jump out the glass peat, Dark ripe Fig, Honestly not really much alcohol burn, Heavy brine ( coastal sea side ). Palate: Mouthwatering, Clingy, Oily, Viscous, Peat is there but it’s not nearly as strong as the nose, dare I say...soft like? Arrival is mostly Brine, Oak, Nutty, Bitter chocolate. The back palate is where the Fruit and Dark Sherry influence comes around. Little alcohol; The peat mellows it out nicely Finish: Peppery sensation on the back end, Slight ethanol burn, Lingering, Long, with Dark chocolate and Coffee grounds, oily, no ash or bitterness but more like heavy peat smoke like that of a cigar.

A lot like Ardbeg 10 on the nose. Peaty and sweet with some brine and iodine. Maybe a touch more iodine than the 10. Seaweed and brine attacks the palette. Not as sweet as the nose. Finishes a bit oily and smoky. Not quite as rounded as the 10, but that’s just fine. It’s its own thing. And surprisingly good for five years old.

Campfire, salt and dark bitter chocolate on the nose. Taste matches with some additions of soil, molasses and spice.

Sampled the Wee Beastie with An Oa. The Wee Beastie is bold, aggressive and smoky. The alcohol hits a bit harder than I expected and it’s name is well deserved. I poured An Oa because I thought the Beastie also had a sherry influence. It may but peat is the main attraction. I would take the gentler An Oa over the Beastie but these are really different styles - if you like bold peat then the Wee Beastie is worth a try.

Nose is an ashy peat smoke with floral notes surrounding it. Some of the salt from Ardbeg but muted, more sweet than some other expressions. Palate is very dry and ashy at first but develops into a muted and sweeter form of the usual richness. Finish is pretty long and ashy/savory. Second visit with some water brings forward more of the ham like savory flavors that I usually get from Ardbeg but with a sweet glaze. Overall it's a great strong Islay for a entry price. I personally still prefer the 10 yo for a bit more cash.