The Ardbeg 10 Year Old is Ardbeg’s entry level malt and provides a perfect summary of what is to come further down the line. Big, oily and peaty, it’s a fantastic introduction to Ardbeg and Islay in general.
The smell of this whisky can quite simply be described as a campfire on the beach. Full of a smoke with a whiff of sea salt and brine, it’s a powerful and thoroughly enjoyable nose. Very slight medicinal notes, perhaps someone is unwell at this campfire.
To taste, the main flavors are again brine and smoke. There is a hint of sweetness, surprisingly, which nicely offsets the saltiness and smoke. Indeed, it is this sweetness that is the defining characteristic when compared to other Islay malts. Also present in small amounts are citrus, wood and a touch of spice. The medicinal flavor found in some Laphroaig editions is barely present here, if at all.
The finish is warm and extremely long with lots of earthy peat.
The Ardbeg 10 year old is nothing short of excellent. It’s also affordable enough to be a daily drinker but interesting enough to serve to friends as something to ruminate over. It comes highly recommended as an introduction to the Islay region.
Ardbeg 10 Year Old Information
- Type: 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky
- Region: Islay
- ABV: 46%
- Price guide: 55 US dollars, 40 British Pounds