Ardbeg An Oa

Peaty, Leathery
2022-08-07

Named after the Oa Peninsula on the Isle of Islay, Ardbeg An Oa was the first addition to the standard range ten years after the Corryvreckan, having previously focused entirely on limited bottlings.
Once again without an age statement, Ardbeg presents us with a Whisky that is even available in a limited barbecue smoker edition. A very good idea, we think, because this way you get the desired smoky flavour even without spices on the barbecue peppers.

Smell

Tobacco smoke, albeit slightly fruity. In the background we find a lot of subtle aromas - could be an orange or a peach. The creamy caramel that follows is joined by pine resin and wood shavings.

Taste

At first, we think of grilled vegetables, black tea and tobacco. An interesting combination. Further on, smoked ham, oak and fruitiness are perceptible. The oily mouthfeel is characterised by the ashes of an extinguished campfire.

Finish

Long, as is usual for an Ardbeg, we have an intensely smoky and very smooth and balanced finish that leaves us tasting smoked ham again.

Thoughts

The single malt from Ardbeg does indeed go well with a barbecue, even if you can't or don't really want to drink anything else afterwards. It's actually like any Ardbeg: you have to be in the mood for it and it's certainly not everyone's cup of tea.

Rating: 79/100 - Very Good (Marcel: 75 | Sascha: 83)

Value for Money: 4/5 - Good

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Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange