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Ardbeg Wee Beastie
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
December 1, 2021 (edited July 15, 2022)
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 YR
*I would like to start my review with a disclaimer. My pecking order of Islay Whisky so far goes Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Talisker, and Bruichladdich (in any order you want) followed by Ardbeg in a distant 5th. That seems to be at odds with a lot of Distiller Users' opinions, so take the following review with that in mind.
*NOSE: Upfront? Pleasantly Peaty with Sea Air, and Old Campfire Ash. Background? Tangy Fruits. Lemon, Apple, Pear, and Peach with a hint of florality.
*NEAT: The first pour I had of this was more Sweet with S'mores, Werther's Originals, and hints of fruit (Raisins, Apple, Pear, Peach) meshing very well with the Foundation of Peat and Campfire Ash. Unexpected and unlike most Ardbeg I've tried. The Finish brought notes of Dark Chocolate, Tingling Pepper Spice, and Eucalyptus. A Clingy Medicinal Coating of Novocain (the taste the numbing needle leaves in your mouth) and Ash. Subsequent pours have been more "Ardbegish" in nature with Zingy Lemon Peel taking the lead and pushing the sweeter Chocolates, Caramels, and Fruits to the back.
*SPLASH: The Nose and Palate both pick up a Crushed Pineapple note.
*VERDICT: I need to go back and try the Ardbeg 10 for reference, but if memory serves, I may enjoy this just a little more. I was expecting super aggressive Peat Harshness, but instead found it complex enough and a decent value for $45. I even enjoyed a pour of this over a large cube of (gasp) ice. Something I don't do with other, pricier Peated Scotches. This actually may be my favorite of the Ardbeg line given its Price and Versatility (I won't think twice about experimenting with this in cocktails). I'm definitely not saying it's the best Ardbeg, just the best one for me (if that makes sense).
45.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Zachary-Robbins I'd be stunned if you could find a Port Ellen anywhere at all nowdays outside of auctions - at least at a price that mortals can afford.
@BDanner North Wilkesboro has one of the most diverse selections of Scotch I've encountered. That's also where I got Nikka from the Barrel.
@Zachary-Robbins thanks for the tip. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for it. I pass Wilkesboro on occasion.
@BDanner I've actually seen them at a few places recently, single store boards that have diverse selections. Angier, North Wilkesboro, and Youngsville.
@Zachary-Robbins I know. Just as I was discovering the joys of peated whisky, the Caol Islas that had been sitting on the shelf for as long as I could remember disappeared, never to return apparently.
@PBMichiganWolverine We never see that in NC. Same with Springbank, Ardnahoe, and Port Ellen. Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain are usually hard to find as well.
@BDanner throw in Torabhaig in there as well under Islands. Newest one in Islands, and sort of a mini Talisker. Very affordable as well
@Zachary-Robbins you’re right. I should’ve said Island Whiskies (and thrown Highland Park in there as well).
Talisker is actually on Isle of Skye and is in the Island or Highland category. But any Island whiskey I compare with Islay and not mainland.