ARDBEG 10 Year Old, 46% ABV

The Ardbeg 10 Year Old is probably one of the most well known peated scotch whisky that enthusiasts and occasional drinkers know and enjoy. For many, it served as a gateway whisky into the world of peat and continue to be enjoyed by seasoned whisky drinker for its quality and distinct Ardbeg character. One of the last few entry-level official bottlings from Islay that is bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, the Ardbeg 10 year old is great value for money given how much it has to offer in terms of smell and taste. For the curious yet fearful (of the peat), pop by for a wee taster before committing to a bottle!

Tasting Notes

Nose: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere of peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice.

Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee.

Palate: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavour explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils.

Finish: The finish goes on and on a long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up malt' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the whisky, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!