Ardbeg 10 Year Old is a heavily peated single malt from Islay, widely considered a benchmark for smoky Scotch whisky. It is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV, which keeps its texture and depth intact. Ardbeg lets the natural sweetness of the malt come through against the peat rather than burying it, which is what has made this bottling a reference point for the style.
CHARACTER
Smoke: crackling peat runs through the whole dram
Peat: tarry and resinous through the palate
Lime: bright citrus zest on the nose
Black Pepper: a spicy pop alongside the smoke
Coffee: espresso bitterness through the finish
Cinnamon: spiced toffee on the nose
Banana: ripe banana on the palate
Star Anise: aniseed on the finish
Pear: soft pear closing out the finish
TASTING NOTES
NOSE- Crackling peat smoke meets bright lemon and lime zest, with black pepper and cinnamon spiced toffee.
PALATE- Brine and smoke build over creamy buttermilk and ripe banana, deepening into espresso, liquorice and tarry peat oils.
FINISH- Long and smoky, with tarry espresso, aniseed and toasted almonds fading into soft pear.
