Ardbeg 10 is an age statement bottling from the Ardbeg distillery which was founded in 1815 by the McDougall family. It quickly became very successful due to the need for growing popularity of blended scotch and the need to be underpinned with at least a small amount of peated whisky as a foundation malt. A few hand changes later and a bit of mothballing, it’s now in the Glenmorangie group, and ultimately owned by LVMH.

Something of a cult amongst Ardbeg fans, this is a phenomenal whisky packing powerful peat and a favourite of many whisky lovers around the world. Produced on the Kildalton Coast of Islay, this single malt matures for a decade before being bottled without any chill-filtration. If you’re after a whisky with full of coastal air, smoke and more, this is exactly what you want.

Vital Stats

46% ABV, aged 10 years, 700ml bottle.

Appearance

Nice bright golden straw colour.

On the nose:

Peat smoke right off the pour. Opens up to reveal more peat, more smoke then add in some menthol. A hint of white grapes with more bold notes of peanuts, brine, grass clippings clogging a mower after cutting a wet lawn that had grown a little too long, a bit of sweat, and butter.

On the palate

The palate still showcases the collision of lightness and smoke that Ardbeg is trying to achieve. Light mouthfeel. Delicate on the tongue with powerful flavours. Salt takes the lead ahead of the full force of the smoke, which follows in very short order. Salted whipped honey, dried mango and papaya, fresh chopped parsley on buttered pasta, a bit of Thai sweet chili.

On The Finish

Long and glorious; sea salted caramel and beach bonfire smoke. The finish is ushered in by the smoke, which takes center stage after the swallow. Lingering notes of salt and vanilla cream with persistent smokiness.

Ardbeg 10 in Summary

Precise balance, big smoke and non-chill filtered. This is why this is such a famous dram

Your Opinion

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