PBMichiganWolverine
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Batch 1 (2019)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
September 21, 2019 (edited March 8, 2020)
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!
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@Rick_M Wow, that’s a helluva Top 3 list. Turned into a dozen real quick :)
@SolanaRoots - I’m a terrible person to ask this question. I get caught up in the moment way too easily, so currently I’m a huge fan of Redbreast and Red Spot because of our recent golf trip. Trying to be somewhat objective, after Lagavulin, I would say Compass Box is my next favorite producer based on great whisky and the creative genius of John Glaser. I think there’s a bunch tied for 3rd place: Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Arran, Midleton, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich/Octomore, Glendronach, Talisker, Buffalo Trace, Highland Park, Springbank, Tobermory/Ledaig, and Dalwhinnie. Also, I’m not one to seek out the oddballs, so there’s a lot of prejudice and limited travel that goes into that list.
@Rick_M Is Ardbeg your second fave distillery after Lagavulin?
@Rick_M my logic, besides sheer principled stubbornness, for getting the supernova over the 19 was that the 19 is a regular annual release ( I think ), which makes me think it’ll be around. And @Richard-ModernDrinking gave me a nice 6cl sample to keep me at bay
@PBMichiganWolverine - yes, I’ll be on that one as well.
@Rick_M I’m still holding out—-more so out of sheer stubborn principle, despite knowing how good this is. Instead...I got the Supernova
@PBMichiganWolverine - i did my best to hold off on this per your recommendation, but I’m currently suffering from a willpower deficiency. I think this purchase at $265 may have cured me. :)
@Scott_E it’s good...but yeah...damn pricey .
Would love to get this but it’s just unreachable for me at that price.