Ardbeg Wee Beastie - 47.4%
From the Ardbeg website:
Ardbeg Wee Beastie is the latest permanent expression to join the Distillery’s Ultimate Range. At just five years old, Wee Beastie is a feisty young creature with a formidable taste.
Our whisky creators set out to make the rawest, smokiest Ardbeg ever. The result is Ardbeg Wee Beastie and this tongue-tingling, beautifully smoky dram is the youngest Ardbeg we’ve ever made.
Young and intensely smoky, this is a dram untamed by age. Matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, Wee Beastie is perfect for enjoying neat or as the mouth-watering main ingredient in a powerfully smoky cocktail.
Non chill-filtered at 47.4%.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Old gold, forms a thin line which breaks and falls as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Initially slightly herbal and tequila-esque, together with robust beachside bonfire smoke, apples baked with soft brown sugar, vanilla and a touch of barbecued meats.
Palate: Robust, slightly tarry peat appears first but dissipates quickly to leave tart stewed blackberry and apple, citrusy lemon and salted caramel. Barbecued ‘burnt ends’ and black pepper also make an appearance, along with stone fruit and a hint of anise.
Finish: Long, lingering and mouthcoatingly oily. Gentle peat smoke reappears along with caramel, coastal salt and charred lemon as the other notes dissipate.
Summary: A five year old whisky which packs a punch and dispels the myth that a young whisky can’t be a good whisky. Plenty of Islay peat, Ardbeggian fruitiness and a distinct, briny nod to its coastal heritage. Yes, the youthfulness and 47.4% abv makes this a little rough around the edges but that is what was intended and in this case it serves to add to the interest and charm.
Currently priced at a little over £30, great value for money and one I would happily buy again.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Ardbeg distillery, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.
