Review #41 Ardbeg An Oa: Scotch

Score: 8.7 / 10

Distillery: Ardbeg

Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch

I personally love this stuff and like to describe it as one of the most rounded offings from one of the best whiskey brands. Scotch has been getting criticized recently for removing age labels off of their whiskeys, with Talisker being a big proponent of it. However, in my experience they are not aging much less than they were so when expressions like this come up I don't tend to shy away as long as it's an old well known distillery such as Ardbeg. From what I know about the distillery and price range of the Ardbeg 10yr, I would guess that this blend falls between 10-12 years. That however is a complete guess. If you still want that peat and Laphroaig 10 is too much for you. This is a great go to.

This scotch allowed me to create what I thought was not very original, but was told it was not a thing, a scotch and pool dip. Just a guy enjoying a scotch and swimming in a pool. Is that really not a thing? Well this scotch nailed it, because that ended up being a very fun day. from Po It Up whiskey podcast, please swim responsibly ha!

Whiskey Review:

Nose: A nice medium peat level, hickory chips, peanut butter, green grapes, apricot and a touch of honey sweetness

Palate: That lovable peat quickly turns to smokey campfire, dark fruit appears, faint milk chocolate, vanilla extract, sea salt and a leather at the height of tasting

Finish: Medium. Very tannic dry wood, leather, dark fruits, blackberries, apricot. Very rounded and enjoyable

Score: 8.7

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Common. Part of the distilleries core line of scotch, it's an easy scotch to find for a reasonable price. I suggest picking this up the next time that you're having trouble deciding while in the store.