Ardbeg An Oa

Ardbeg An Oa is a wonderful addition to the iconic range from the Islay distillery. While Ardbeg is known for its powerful peat smoke, An Oa shows a slightly milder and more refined side. Named after the southern Mull of Oa, a rugged and mysterious peninsula on Islay, this whisky embodies the island's stormy nature, but with a velvety twist. Thanks to maturation in a combination of oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and new wood casks, An Oa offers a unique complexity that continues to surprise.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose is seductive and inviting, with a distinctive Ardbeg smoke, but softer than usual. Here you meet aromas of toffee, toasted nuts and honey, mixed with subtle hints of dark chocolate, orange peel and a hint of clove.

Taste

The first sip is a harmonious experience. The peat smoke is unmistakable, but is beautifully balanced by sweet notes of caramel and ripe figs. Hints of creamy milk chocolate, toasted marshmallows and a touch of aniseed create a round, rich flavour. The influence of the sherry casks brings an elegant fruitiness that finishes it off.

Finish

The finish is long, with a silky smoke and a soft sweetness that persists.

Ardbeg Distillery

Ardbeg Distillery is located on the south coast of the island of Islay, famous for its rich whisky tradition. Founded in 1815 by the MacDougall family, Ardbeg has a turbulent history with several closures and re-openings, but has become one of the most highly regarded Islay distilleries.

A distinctive feature of Ardbeg Distillery is its strong peat influence, resulting in whiskies with an intense smokiness and maritime character. The distillery uses traditionally handmade copper pot stills and local peat from the surrounding peat fields, which gives the whiskies their distinctive aromas of smoke, sea salt, and tar, combined with hints of citrus and vanilla.

Ardbeg whiskies are mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which ensures a deep and complex flavour. The distillery is also known for its innovative approach, with experimentation in different cask types and maturation processes producing unique and award-winning expressions.

The combination of traditional production methods, an iconic location and an unmistakable flavour profile makes Ardbeg a leading name in the world of Scotch whisky.