Ardbeg AN OA Islay Whisky 46,6% vol. 0,70l

Ardbeg An Oa Islay Whisky 46.6% vol. 0.70l

Jim Murray gave this whisky 95.5 points.

The An Oa presents a new, interestingly varied side to the Ardbeg profile. With peat smoke and chocolate cream, the An Oa delights both the nose and palate, but introduces more fruit and significantly more spice than, for example, the Ten. Three aromatic casks were used for the An Oa whisky: lightly charred oak casks provide spice, Pedro Ximenez casks deliver a delicate sweetness, and bourbon casks round off the aroma spectrum perfectly. The marriage took place in the so-called Gathering Vat. An Oa really swept the board at the 2019 International Whisky Competition: the Scotch was awarded gold three times: once as “Best Single Malt NAS,” then as “Best Islay Single Malt,” and last but certainly not least, gold as best “peated” whisky.

Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Distillery: Ardbeg
Matured in: new, lightly charred oak casks, Pedro Ximenez casks, and ex-bourbon casks
Chill filtration: no

Tasting Notes

Nose: soft, fruity fragrance, interwoven with a fine layer of peat smoke, with tobacco spice, orange and citrus nuances, and milk chocolate.
Palate: spicy-sweet entry, with chocolate cream, oak spice, soft fruit notes, and beautiful volume.
Finish: long, silky finish, with a hint of smoke, anise, and malty notes.
Our Recommendation: Ardbeg An Oa is another creation that will delight Ardbeg fans. Anyone who has previously disliked peat smoke should avoid this one.