If you’re hunting for a classic peat release, look no further than the Ardbeg 10 year old Islay single malt whisky. This Scottish gem hails from the renowned Islay region, celebrated for its distinctive peat and sea-influenced flavours. But before I delve into the depths of this extraordinary single malt, let’s set the scene.
Johannesburg boasts a unique treasure for whisky enthusiasts – Whisky Brother, the city’s first whisky speciality whisky shop. Marc, the owner and all round expert is our go-to guy for all things whisky. And through his enticing tweet, we found ourselves at the Ardbeg Day tasting.
At the event, we sampled various Ardbeg whisky releases. The Ardbeg 10 year old stood out among them, and we took a bottle home. In honour of Ardbeg Day, we immediately popped the cork on that very Saturday.
Now, let’s talk Ardbeg. Situated on the remote Scottish island of Islay, this distillery is a place of exquisite beauty, making it a destination I aspire to someday visit. I’ve shared detailed insights about Ardbeg in many other blog posts, so remember to check those out.
In September 2016, a group of adventurous souls embarked on a three-day journey along the rugged Islay Coast. Guided by Distillery Manager Mickey Heads and survival expert Monty Halls, these “ARDventurers” conquered the island’s untamed coastline, wild peat bogs, misty hills, and brooding lochs, all vying for the title of Ultimate ARDventurer.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show – the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky. The 10 year old is aged exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels. It’s non-chill filtered, ensuring a fuller, richer flavour. Ardbeg’s core range includes other exceptional expressions like the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, the An Oa, Uigeadail, and the Ardbeg Corryvreckan whisky.
Related Article: Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla whisky
Ardbeg 10 year old Islay Single Malt Whisky Review
REGION: Islay
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Quite light, with hints of green.
NOSE: As we nosed the Ardbeg 10, there were distinctive peat and wood smoke notes. In the background is a hint of orange sweetness with light vanilla and sea salt. However, the first impression wasn’t overwhelming; it was an inviting and intriguing aroma with a touch of sweetness in the background.
PALATE: Upon tasting, the complexity of this whisky unravelled. Beyond the initial peat, we detected warming citrus notes and hints of vanilla, followed by subtle hints of coffee and a touch of iodine and pepper.
The Ardbeg 10 year old is undoubtedly a bold whisky, but it doesn’t overpower the palate. It’s a symphony of well-balanced Islay flavours and a truly elegant dram.
FINISH: This Ardbeg has one of the longest and most full-bodied finishes I’ve ever experienced. It lingers and evolves on the palate, creating an unforgettable journey of flavours. It’s no wonder that Jim Murray showered it with praise. It ends in notes of smoky sweetness with light black pepper.
RATING: EXCELLENT
This whisky has swiftly become one of my favourites from Islay. When winter comes around and the urge to cosy up by the fire strikes, the Ardbeg 10 year old is the perfect companion. It balances peat, smoke, and sweetness harmoniously while maintaining its bold character.
But there’s more to this whisky than just sipping it neat. I’ve used the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky to craft delightful whisky truffles, and it even earned a spot on my “Top 5 Single Malt Whiskies” list.
If you’re curious how the Ardbeg 10 year old stacks up against other iconic drams, stay tuned for my comparative series, where I compared it against the Talisker 10 year old and the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky.
In 2023, I compared the Ardbeg 10 year old and the Ardbeg An Oa single malt release. To discover which one emerged victorious, follow the link. Cheers to the world of Ardbeg!
Also Read: Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky
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