This is Single Malt Islay Scotch. This is the Simpson Chubby of scotch. This is an experience as much as a drink.
The price is in line with other Islay 10 year old scotches, but something about Ardbeg is more distinctive. I have sampled 4 different bottlings from Ardbeg and they all have a common thread running through them.
This one is about big smoke and peat. At 10 years old the peat is still fresh and the dominant flavors. The sea spray and idoine come are over played a bit. The 1990 has much less peat/smoke, but much more salty. The 1990 is much more tame than the standard 10 year old beast.
In the end, this is the YARDSTICK of Islay scotch!
You like it or you don't. Personally, this is my favorite distillery.
The price is in line with other Islay 10 year old scotches, but something about Ardbeg is more distinctive. I have sampled 4 different bottlings from Ardbeg and they all have a common thread running through them.
This one is about big smoke and peat. At 10 years old the peat is still fresh and the dominant flavors. The sea spray and idoine come are over played a bit. The 1990 has much less peat/smoke, but much more salty. The 1990 is much more tame than the standard 10 year old beast.
In the end, this is the YARDSTICK of Islay scotch!
You like it or you don't. Personally, this is my favorite distillery.