Damon_Elliot
Ardbeg An Oa
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
November 20, 2020 (edited December 27, 2020)
A stunning color – much darker than the 10, with a burgundy hue. The nose is reminiscent of the Bunnahabhain 12, but it’s been over five years since I’ve had that, so I can’t explain how exactly. I smell cocoa, beeswax, gardenia, and a hint of seaweed. The palate is complicated – definitely the most delicate Ardbeg I’ve had. I taste raspberry jam, rooibos tea, chocolate, bright malt, and cigarette smoke. I say the palate is complicated because none of these notes strike me as delicate alone, but the way they partner together is truly impressive and unassuming. The mouthfeel is zingy, and red raspberry is again brought to mind. The finish brings honeycomb and smoke, with a rush of sea salt and that sweet-floral gardenia note again. It lingers to a slow burn in the chest, though, again, gentle in comparison to its siblings. Sweet char and malt stay on the palate long after the glass has emptied. An Oa is one to savor, to spur contemplation.
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@Ctrexman Agreed!!
@Ctrexman I've yet to taste An Oa, but yes, I get the impression from some who have, that it is an inferior dram - the review certainly does not corroborate this. Interesting tasting notes, definitely drive me to try this.
@Ctrexman I agree. I actually liked it a little more than the 10y, from their ratings in par with the Corry for me but the Uigea is superior. Haven’t had the the Wee Beastie yet.
A lot of folks dont like this but Im with you its good stuff. Oogie and Corry destroy it though