Ardbeg

Ardbeg

Hypernova The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Although this purportedly has the highest amount of peat ever used by Ardbeg, you would never be able to tell from the nose. While sure, it’s clearly a peated whisky, it’s almost pretty on the nose with floral and soft fruit tones. On the palate, the peat is much more pronounced but still very much in balance. A tremendously beautiful expression of Ardbeg. — 3 months ago

Peter, Lyle and 3 others liked this

Caol Ila

Aged 12 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The mildest of the Diageo peated whiskies I've had so far. Definitely not the campfire peat monsters of Ardbeg, or the distinct maritime peat of Talisker, or the more medicinal peat of Lagavulin... The peat here comes off as sweet and aromatic, almost like incense. The body seems to be the lightest of the lot too (comparing apples and apples), although it's hard to say without seeing them all next to each other (definitely lighter than the Ardberg and even Glen Elgin here). Palate flavours are subtle in the Caol Ila, but citrus notes come through clearly. Finishes a touch short with a sort of grassy earthy quality that I quite enjoy. Not a blockbuster whisky, yet I find it quite drinkable.

NB: Better mixed 1:1 with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie. Seems to balance out the extreme smoke of the Ardberg, drawing out lovely saline notes.
— 3 years ago

Neil, Severn and 8 others liked this
Norman Gennaro

Norman Gennaro Premium Badge

Man never thought to do a blending

Ardbeg

19 YEAR OLD TRAIGH BHAN Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The smoke/peat was not crazy on this and really nicely done. — 3 years ago

Eric, Bob and 9 others liked this

Ardbeg

Anamorphic The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 57.1% abv

You better love peat because this one delivers not only on the nose but the palate. The finish shows the lovely subtleties of the spirit though with flowers and honey. — 3 months ago

Daniel, Lyle and 2 others liked this

Cayuse Vineyards

Bionic Frog Walla Walla Valley Syrah 2012

Four hour decant. Wild wine. Very balanced but all flavors dialed up to 11. Plum, blackberry, hoisin, hoisin beef stock. Finish is incredibly salty and smokey…almost like a drop of laphroig or ardbeg made it’s way into the glass. — 2 years ago

Pooneet and Lyle liked this

Ben Nevis

23 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Subtle smoke and very nice. Not sure if I like this or the Ardbeg better. Suspect this is the one you can really drink beyond the short pour I had. — 3 years ago

Bob, Mike and 5 others liked this

Ardbeg

The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1515

Very similar to the 10 year old Ardberg I had 16 weeks ago - see Delectable note. Love these peaty Islay malts. Didn’t realise this Uigeadail is different to the previous bottle. Should have tasted them side by side to note any differences. This had raisiny notes on the palate from old Sherry casks. — 3 years ago

Severn, Anthony and 13 others liked this

Ardbeg

Ardcore The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Remarkably delicate for an Ardbeg. Delicious. — 2 years ago

Aravind, Bob and 3 others liked this

Ardbeg

Wee Beastie 5 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch

What a monster! I'm pretty sure that's the reaction Ardbeg was looking for when they crafted this whisky (that name!). Similar profile to the 10 year old (bacon and cigar), but with the smoke character dialled way up. So much so that it drowns out everything else, even when water was added. The finish was a little harsh for me and definitely more unctuous than the 10, courtesy of a rather textural body. Interesting whisky, but not one I'd reach for. Definitely getting a better picture of the Ardberg signature at this point.

NB: Interestingly, it made a great 1:1 mixer with the Coal Ila 12, pulling out lots of marine and earthy flavours.
— 3 years ago

Neil, Severn and 4 others liked this