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Ardbeg 10 Year Old

Peat Crash Course

0 895

@WhiskyBeeReview by @WhiskyBee

11th Aug 2012

0

  • Nose
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  • Taste
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  • Finish
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  • Balance
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  • Overall
    95

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

When I was beginning to explore the single-malt world, I hadn't yet worked my way up to the Peat Giants of Islay when I was introduced by a friend to Ardbeg. Yikes! My first impression was that of a dead pine forest slathered with a layer of Vicks Vapo Rub.

But, as they say, it's like hot peppers: at first you gag, then you learn to appreciate the experience, then you love the taste. Even if, just as with the peppers, you still gag occasionally.

I'd never start the evening with Ardbeg, but I love this big, gutsy whisky. Can't believe I haven't tried the Uigeadail yet, but I plan to invest in a bottle when my supply of 10 yo gets down to a few drams.

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8 comments

@systemdown
systemdown commented

The peat smoke is definitely huge in this one upon first opening. I found after a few weeks it died down considerably, the peat became less fierce and I started getting apricot, pineapple and other fruits on the nose. Great Islay whisky this.

11 years ago 0

@WhiskyBee
WhiskyBee commented

Thanks @systemdown for the comment on one of my first (and worst) reviews. I know I ramble on in my later ones, but at least I provide some detailed tasting notes. I may submit another Ardbeg 10 review (with the same score) down the road, or I may expand my thoughts on the 10 yo if and when I do a review of the Uigeadail. Only two Ardbegs I've tried so far, and I love 'em both. I'm a bit reluctant to delve further into Ardbeg, however. I get the impression they're releasing a lot of B-level whiskies at A-plus prices...although opinions seem to be all over the place on this matter.

11 years ago 0

@Wills
Wills commented

95 points is a B-level at your scale? Have to remember this :)

Btw you could also give your additionally notes on the 10yo here in the comments if you want to. So you bought the Uigeadail? You liked it even more than the 10yo? I tried it and loved it. I am going to buy a bottle, maybe in the wintertime.

11 years ago 0

@WhiskyBee
WhiskyBee commented

Well...I'm not that tough of a grader! ;) Uigeadail is a 96 in my gradebook, and that's as close as I've come to an A-plusser! Yeah, I like it a tiny bit more than the 10yo -- a point's worth. Tastes like a powerhouse version of the 10 to me, but that's not a bad thing.

I'm only going by others' opinions, but there seems to be a consensus that Ardbeg keeps cranking out the various expressions that, while good, aren't good enough to justify the high prices. I'd be more than happy to share my thoughts on the matter if anyone would like to send me some free samples!

11 years ago 0

@WhiskyBee
WhiskyBee commented

Only my second attempt at a whisky review--how embarrassing some 14 months on! I'll revisit this one eventually with a new review and adjust my score to a more reasonable, but still quite respectable, 91.

10 years ago 0

@systemdown
systemdown commented

We all have to start somewhere, there's absolutely no shame in it. Only by looking back do we see how far we have come.

10 years ago 0

@Nock
Nock commented

You got a batch number to share?

10 years ago 0

@WhiskyBee
WhiskyBee commented

@Nock -- This review was written long before I paid attention to batch numbers. I'm on my fourth (or fifth?) bottle of Ardbeg 10 now. It's L12 071, for what that's worth.

10 years ago 0

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