<br /><br />Ardbeg An Oa<br /><br />A welcome new addition to the Ultimate range. Ardbeg An Oa is singularly rounded, due in no small part to time spent in our newly established bespoke oak Gathering Vat<br />where whiskies from several cask types - including; sweet Pedro Ximenez; spicy virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others - familiarise themselves<br />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<br />smooth, silky butterscotch, black pepper and clove, before rising to an intense crescendo of flavour.<br /><br />Non chill-filtered with a strength of 46.6% ABV.<br /><br /><br />Color: Light Gold<br />Aroma: Rounded and smoky - like burning Applewood - with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With<br />a drop of water, reminders of Ardbeg's classic fragrance - lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candle wax, and hints of smoked<br />herbs. An Oa gives a final subtle reminder of the sea with briny notes and seaweed but always accompanied with creaminess.<br /><br />Taste: A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet<br />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<br />carpenter's workshop. A long, sweet finish, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty biscuit notes.<br /><br />Finish: Lingering, seductive, gentle yet intense, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke.<br />
Price
€85.20