International Whisky Competition 2020: 92.6 points - Single Malt Scotch Under 10 years: 1st Place

What is a Wee Beastie?

Wee” is a Scottish adjective which means small/little. A “beastie” is a creature, usually small and often with ‘attitude’ beyond its size. A “Wee Beastie” then implies a small creature which has a hint of ferocity and wildness. It might be a bit mischievous or hard to control. In this instance, the ‘Wee Beastie’ is in fact the whisky itself. Only 5 years old yet incredibly powerful with a formidable bite.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Bright Gold (Auric)

Aroma: Very fresh, herbal, with hints of vanilla, pear, freshly cracked black pepper and honey glazed ham. Rich Turkish coffee, sappy pine resin. With water, more herbal notes like vetiver and fennel, along with aniseed, green apple and leather.

Taste: A rich, explosive mouthfeel with lots of chocolate, tar, creosote and smoked bacon, followed by a burst of antiseptic lozenges, eucalyptus and more aniseed.

Finish: A long, salty and mouthcoating finish with hints of cocoa, fudge and savoury meats.

Why a 5 year old?

Ardbeg Wee Beastie has been matured for just 5 years, making it the untamed ‘enfant terrible’ of the whisky world. Whereas most single malts seek the smoothness and balance of older age, we know that more time in cask tends to subdue the smokiness that so many whisky fans love. By boldly proclaiming the whisky’s relative youthfulness, we invite consumer curiosity and promise a monstrously smoky experience. On tasting, the whisky is not just incredibly smoky, but also surprisingly well balanced by the expert use of sherry cask maturation meaning that
consumers will want to share this delicious discovery with friends.