Scotland, September 2017 (from notes). Nose: Classic Ardbeg sweet smoke with some sharp gingery and pepper spices that never quite dethrone the sweet, briny seaweed smells. There's some pine resin and even star anise in there as well. Palate: Sweet and peaty to start with, developing into a most unusual combination of creamy, oily and dry spices plus a whiff of smoked ham and smoked herring. Underneath there's some aniseed and something like chewing tobacco, but mild, and some orange marmalade. Finish: Long, sweet and rich but touches of dark chocolate keep any sense of being cloying at bay. A little citrus at the very end. A young but well-behaved NAS that provides a nice experience overall and is a good addition to the core range. There is an unmistakable similarity to the 10 year old but more diversity of aroma and flavor, however there is also arguably less focus and depth. It’s wider but not as deep, if you take my meaning, and a bit sweeter. 46.6% is the perfect strength for this - I enjoyed it neat, with a drop of water, and even quite heavily watered (even right down to about 30% abv). Very good in every guise. The name "An Oa" (pronounced "Anne-O") means "The O", in reference to a rounded peninsula on Islay and is a conceit referring to the rounded nature of the dram. Top stuff at a reasonable price. “Very Good” : 85/100 (4 stars)