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SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Ardbeg An Oa
46.6% | 70CL
1-3 Business Days
€ 52,50
Quantity
Geographic location
Scotland, Islay
Product details
It is acknowledged by oilskin-clad locals and Gore-tex®-sheathed visitors alike that the Ardbeg Distillery can be subject to alarmingly fierce winds, driving rain and eerie coverings of haar. However, these frequent weather events would be far more extreme, were it not for the presence of the Mull of Oa. Topographically speaking, the Distillery is sheltered from the harshest excesses of the mighty Atlantic by this rounded peninsula in the south of Islay. This vast, jutting promontory is the inspiration for Ardbeg An Oa! Like the Mull of Oa, it is noticeably rounded. This is due in no small part to a spell spent in Ardbeg’s newly-established Gathering Vat. Within the vat we gather together whiskies from several cask types - including; sweet Pedro Ximenez; spicy Virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others - where they familiarise themselves with each other. The result is a dram with smoky power, mellowed by a delectable, smooth sweetness. Hallmark Ardbeg peat, dark chocolate and aniseed are wrapped in smooth, silky butterscotch, black pepper and clove, before rising to an intense crescendo of flavour.
Tasting notes
A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg & cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Wood is always present in the spirit, gently nutty and reminiscent of a carpenter’s workshop. A long, sweet finish, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty biscuit notes. Lingering, seductive, gentle yet intense, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke.
RISE & FALL OF ARDBEG
In 1815 theArdbeg distillery is founded. John Macdougall takes out a licence, establishing Ardbeg Distillery as a legitimate commercial concern. Around 1838 Thomas Buchanan, a Glasgow spirit merchant, buys the Distillery for £1,800. John Macdougall’s son Alexander continues to manage operations. In 1981 the distillery closes with the loss of 18 jobs and a devastating effect on the local community. After the second closure in 1991, the Distillery reopens in 1997. Full-time production commences, with the first bottlings comprising 17 Years Old, 1978 Vintage and Ardbeg Provenance. In 2005 Ardbeg is established as part of the House of Glenmorangie within Moet Hennessy/LVMH. Production reaches 1 million litres.
