Tag: LVMH Page 2 of 6

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton commonly known as LVMH, is a French holding multinational corporation and conglomerate specializing in luxury goods, headquartered in Paris, France. They own various perfumes, cosmetics and fashion lines and also the following distilleries and whisky brands:
Ardbeg Distillery
Glenmorangie Distillery
Hennessy cognac
Belvedere Vodka

Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/03/2023

In Whisky Comparison

Ardbeg 10 year old whisky vs An Oa single malt Whisky comparison
From the peat capital of the world, another peated side-by-side comparison; the Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa single malt Scotch whisky.

Both are from the Islay-based distillery, part of the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) stable. Both these releases are part of the Ardbeg core range, together with the Uigeadail and the Corryvrecken single malt whisky.

The Ardbeg distillery is situated on the south coast of the isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides group of islands. The distillery uses malted barley sourced from the maltings in Port Ellen. The distillery has been producing whisky commercials since 1815.

Every year, the distillery celebrates Ardbeg Day; this year, it fell on the 3rd of June. The distillery releases an annual Ardbeg Day bottling, and I have tasted many of these releases.

For the 2023 Ardbeg Day, the release was distilled without a purifier. A purifier is responsible for Ardbeg’s balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness. The Ardbeg Day release was called “Heavy Vapours”, and the release was available worldwide in limited quantities.

But today, I look at the two entry-level drams side by side.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Ardbeg 10 year old Whisky

Ardbeg 10 yo whisky with glass

The Ardbeg 10 year old is a heavily peated single malt Scotch, aged for ten years in American oak barrels with no chill filtration. It is peated to between 55 to 65 ppm. Enthusiasts see the Ardbeg 10 year old as one of the peatiest, smokiest drams.

Ardbeg An Oa Whisky

Ardbeg An Oa whisky with glass

The Ardbeg An Oa single malt whisky was the first addition to the core range since 2009, and Ardbeg named this release after the Mull of Oa in the southwest of Islay. The Mull forms the most southerly point of Islay.

The Ardbeg An Oa single malt was aged in a combination of PX casks, charred virgin oak and ex-bourbon casks. These casks were then married in a French oak marrying vat before being bottled. It has no age statement.

Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Single Malt Whisky

Comparison ardbeg 10 yo vs An Oa whisky

	Ardbeg 10 yo whisky	Ardbeg An Oa whisky
ABV	46%	46.6%
Region	Islay Whisky	Islay Whisky
Peat Level	55 to 65 ppm	50 - 60 ppm
Colour	Pale Straw with green hints	Light gold
Nose	Peat and smoke with hints of vanilla, sea salt and citrus sweetness. It is not overwhelming but inviting and intriguing.	Peat, creamy honey, salted liquorice with hints of cough syrup. In the middle sweet vanilla floats about mingling with bits of toasted nuts and pine needles. It’s complex, subtle and different all at once. Faint smoke lurks around.
Palate	After the initial peat, some warming citrus and hints of vanilla. It continues to bring you hints of coffee and a bit of iodine. This Ardbeg 10 yo is a big whisky but not overwhelming at all.	Ash, peat, soft honey, sweet vanilla and cinnamon sugar, hints of chocolate and toasted oak. Faint hints of lemon pepper. It’s smooth and velvety. Water softens the few rough edges and adds more sweetness.
Finish	What an epic finish! You will remember the Ardbeg 10 yo long after you have emptied the glass.	Smoothly with a long and lingering finish that hug and comfort you like a favourite jersey. Filled with sweetness and bits of nut.
My Rating	Excellent	Divine
Comments	Complex and well balanced	Rich and comforting. Just perfection.
Price	$65	$65
Pairs well with	Garlic leg of Lamb or a charcuterie platter	Strong Cheese, salmon sashimi and pulled pork

This side-by-side tasting is so tricky. We did the tasting blind to see if we could guess which one was which. You can work it out if you sit down and think about it. The An Oa has more vanilla, chocolate and nutty notes than the 10 year old. Both are big, bold drams and just delicious.

The citrus notes in the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky are more pronounced and have a smoother mouth feel. The peat, coffee and iodine wrap around you like a warming blanket. It has a bold finish that stays with you long after the glass is empty.

The Ardbeg An Oa whisky has a creamier mouthfeel, reminding me of burnt butter. It is sweeter on the palate with more pronounced green pine notes. The peat is softer and more elegant when next to the 10 yo. The finish is also smoother and slightly richer.

My sweeter palate enjoyed the An Oa more, but hubby preferred the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky. Regardless, both are a worthy addition to my collection.

I have also done a side by side comparison between the Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadail whisky to see where they differ.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16 yo whisky

Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/24/2023

In Single Malt whisky

In December 2013, I got some time to catch up on some of my blog posts. I initially tasted this Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky during July 2013.

My first introduction to Ardbeg was on Ardbeg Day 2013 when I wandered past Marc’s Whiskybrother Shop in Hydepark and tasted the Ardbeg 10 yo whisky.

Both me and John fell in love with it and walked out with our first bottle. Ardbeg has become one of my favourite distilleries, and my collection has since grown to a few more bottles, including expressions like Uigeadail and Corryvreckan.

I acquired the Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky on an online auction. The name Uigeadail derives from the Scotch Gaelic for ‘Dark and Mysterious Place’ and is named for the Loch from where Ardbeg draws its peat-laden waters.

Most of the standard Ardbeg releases is peated to about 50 ppm and the Ardbeg Uigeadai is a NAS release.

Also Read: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky

This expression marries the traditional smoky notes of Ardbeg with the sweet raisiny notes of old ex-Sherry casks. This release was launched 10 years ago and has won awards ever since. The Ardbeg distillery is part of the Louis Vuitton stable together with Glenmorangie distillery.

In 2009, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Ardbeg Uigeadail ‘World Whisky of the Year’ – in praise of its “utter silky brilliance” and “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.”

The 80,000 strong Ardbeg Committee also voted Ardbeg Uigeadail as their favourite Ardbeg. I was thrilled to get it and excitedly looked forward to tasting it.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 54.2%.

COLOUR: Light amber. It’s a beautifully oily whisky, leaving delightful fingers on the inside of the glass. On the addition of water, it goes slightly milky – just beautiful.

NOSE: Nosing is unforgettable. Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine and medicinal notes follow soon after. You know you are dealing with an Ardbeg! Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. It’s complex and sophisticated.

PALATE: On tasting the Uigeadail, you are struck by how big a mouthful this whisky is. Peat and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake come through.

FINISH: Something else! The finish is long and lingering. Starting with raisins and honey, it ends with notes of pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed.

Its warmth seems to expand throughout your body. It is unforgettable. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of Johns favourites and a whisky he goes back to time and time again.

RATING: EXCELLENT

There is a perfect balance between the smoke and peat and the sweetness that the sherry casks bring. Complex, big and bold that stays in your memory long after the glass is empty, I know people how don’t like peat can find an Uigeadail overwhelming.

It is not a whisky for firs time whisky drinkers. In South Africa, it retails for around R1 100. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of the finest whiskies that you can lay your hands on if you love the Islay style.

This is a great whisky to experiment with in terms of side by side comparisons. I have tried the Uigeadail compared to the Corryvreckan single malt, the Ardbeg An Oa as well as the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky. All fun experiments that highlight the strong point of this Islay dram.

Uigeadail and Food Pairings

Pairing this whisky with food will be interesting. I can imagine fresh oysters and a glass of Uigeadail. When I get my hands on some fresh oysters topped up with a drop of lemon juice and a dash of Tabasco, I am trying it.

The Ardbeg Uigeadail also pair well with salmon sashimi. The saltiness of the fish and the soya should complement the smoky, peaty finish of the whisky. On the cheese front, a strongly flavoured cheese will do well with this peaty whisky.

I paired this peaty release with some Lindt Lindor dark 60% chocolate, and it makes for a delicious combination.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/02/2022

In Single Malt whisky

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

Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/25/2022

In Single Malt whisky

I bought this bottle of whisky for John’s 5oth birthday, and it is only now, three years later that I get around to opening it. The Glenmorangie Signet single malt Scotch whisky is somewhat unusual. It is the world’s first single malt whisky made with high roasted chocolate malt barley.

Glenmorangie is a well-known Highland Scottish distillery in the town of Tain. I have captured tasting notes for the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX, and Glenmorangie Spios and these posts also deal with the Glenmorangie history.

Glenmorangie released the Signet edition in 2008. It takes its name from the elaborate design that embellishes most Glenmorangie bottles. The Signet itself originated from the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, a Pictish item that dates back to around the year 800 AD. The Signet whisky was a creation of Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Master of Whisky Creation.

Back in his student days, Dr Lumsden became a coffee enthusiast. While studying for the PhD in Biochemistry, he became obsessed over the intricacies of single estate coffee beans and the ideal roasting levels for optimum flavour. Years later, this coffee obsession inspired him to create the Glenmorangie Signet.

The Glenmorangie Signet single malt whisky was aged in American virgin oak casks before it was bottled. It is not chill-filtered and carries no age statement.

The Signet is part of the Glenmorangie Prestige range, together with the 18 year old and the 25 year old single malt whisky. The Signet release retails for around R2 500 in South Africa and around £ 150 in the UK.

Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Notes of marshmallow, vanilla, butterscotch mixed with crunchy toffee brittle. Hints of spices and espresso and lemon peel. So delicious.

PALATE: Malty notes with lots of sweet spices, cinnamon dark chocolate. Bits of roasted coffee beans with a fruity hint and honey sweetness. Faint traces of pepper and ginger. A full-bodied whisky. Rich and delicious. Water releases a bit more complexity and sweetness, but it is delicious without water.

FINISH: The finish is long and lingering with notes of lemon peel, toffee sweetness and green pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious single malt. I can’t believe we waited three years to open this bottle. The coffee and chocolate notes are noticeable and delicious. I can sit and nose this whisky for hours. If they made a candle smelling like this, my whole house would be full of it.

A whisky to enjoy late at night with someone special. Probably my favourite Glenmorangie of all times.

Also Read: McCarthy’s Oregon Whiskey

Ardbeg Scorch Islay Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/14/2022

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at the Ardbeg Day release of 2021: The Ardbeg Scorch Islay single malt Scotch whisky. I seldom buy or open my Ardbeg day releases because the liquid does not always live up to the hype, fanfare (and high price). The Ardbeg Day releases are drinkable but nothing mind-blowing most of the time.

Usually, the Ardbeg Day releases are average, but every couple of years, there is a fantastic bottle; I loved the Ardbeg Supernova release but found Dark Cove a bit bland. I have noticed a similar sentiment looking at other comments on the Ardbeg release.

A limited number of Ardbeg Scorch bottles made it to SA, and I did not get a bottle in the initial offering. Then a whisky friend, Luben, gave me a sample from his bottle.

Ardbeg is John’s favourite distillery, and after tasting the sample, he was in love. I knew I had to get my hands on a bottle if possible.

Fortunately, I found a bottle at the WhiskyShop in Fourways towards the end of 2021 and trust me, it was the best gift John got. He was over the moon.

The 2021 release is “Ardbeg’s tribute to the legendary dragon of Islay.” Ardbeg Scorch whisky is matured in its most heavily charred ex-bourbon American oak casks.

There is no age statement, and it is non-chill filtered and without added colour. Ardbeg distillery is part of the LVMH group of companies.

Also Read: Kilchoman Sanaig Whisky

Ardbeg Scorch Islay Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Amber pale gold

NOSE: Bonfire smoke next to the ocean, peat with toasted oak and vanilla, green pine branches and spices. Tar coated poles with hints of cigar smoke. Salted caramel and toffee apple sweetness. Big and bold, typical Ardbeg nose.

PALATE: Ash, charred wood with earthy peat and salt. Big, creamy and bold, right in your face. There is a fruity sweetness and vanilla behind the smoke mixed with some espresso and bitter chocolate on the second sip.

Sorch has the typical Ardbeg medicinal notes with a meaty flavour and a light lemon pepper sprinkling. It was so amazing; we finished our first glass without water. Complex and not an every day drinking dram.

FINISH: A long and lingering finish. With notes of ash and smoke and toasted oak and lemon pepper.

RATING: DIVINE

Just delicious! This is the first Ardbeg Day release in many years that I don’t mind owning, opening and drinking. I will be sad when it is finished.

The balance between the smoke and the hints of sweetness and spice is perfect. The smoky flavour is inviting you in for a taste; like BBQ smoke on the wind. You can smell it and know that there is fun to be had, but it does not suffocate or overwhelm you.

It left John and me with huge smiles, and even my sweet palate was not complaining. For a change, the Ardbeg Day release lives up to the hype. My bottle will not last long.

Also Read: How to Start a whisky club