Ardbeg Distillery
Region: Islay
Established: 1815
Most popular product: Ardbeg 10 years old
Best value product: Ardbeg Uigedail
Ardbeg is the best distillery for heavily peat smoked scotches. Ardbeg first started commercial production in 1815. It ran until it was shut down in 1982 because of decreased demand for Scotch. It was purchased by Hiram Walker and reopened for small scale production in 1989. Hiram Walker also owned Laphroaig and ended up deciding to sell off Ardbeg to focus on its other Islay distillery. It was shut down for about a year until Glenmorangie purchased it and resumed production in 1997. It has seen gone on to see substantial success and receives much praise from fans of heavily peated scotches.
I would recommend against trying Ardbeg as a first peat smoked Scotch. You need to work up to this level of peat.
Tasting notes
Ardbeg Uigeadail
ABV: 54%
Nose: Big hit of peat smoke, leather, maple baked ham
Taste: The smoke subsides and reveals a very nice honey sweetness. Pears Very complex flavors.
Finish: Nice warm finish. The peat smoke taste will stick around for a good long while.
Color: Dark Amber
Comments: This one great when drank directly at cask strength. It also stands up well to using a bit of water. It is the best Scotch in the Ardbeg line.
Rating: 94
Ardbeg Dark Cove Committee edition
ABV: 55%
Nose: Heavy smoke, Maple Bacon, Fresh tobacco
Taste: The smoke dissipates and exposes a lovely complex sweetness. Strong Sherry influence. Chocolate covered dried raisins.
Finish: The smoke will stick around for a long time, and this is a very good thing.
Color: Amber
Comments: Very similar to Uigeadail
Rating:93
Ardbeg 10 year
ABV: 46%
Nose: Heavy smoke, bandages, ocean.
Taste: a Heavy hit of smoke. Very slight sweetness. Much less than Uigeadail. Sun dried raisin
Finish: Long warm, smoky finish.
Color: very light. White wine
Comments:
Rating: 89
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