Ardbeg An Oa

The Arbeg An Oa (pronounced 'an o') is the latest release in the core range of Ardbeg. It is named after the Mull of Oa, where you can also admire the American Monument. This Ardbeg matured on a combination of 7 barrel types, including virgin oak, PX sherry and 1st fill bourbon barrels. Oh, yes, the ABV is also separate: 46.6%.

The nose is surprisingly fresh and cheerful for an Ardbeg, with a lot of vanilla and lime, ginger and cinnamon. Fanta Lemon with some mint, fresh seaweed and some freshly waxed leather. Another thing about smoked mussels and diesel oil. And some smoke, that speaks. In taste, it is the herbs that come first (ginger, pepper, cardamom), the virgin oak will be a big part of that. This is followed by black tea, sweet lemons and pink grapefruit and a hint of brown sugar. Peat, of course. But also a lot of brackish water.