Ardbeg 10 years is revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. Yet it does not flaunt the peat; rather it gives way to the natural sweetness of the malt to produce a whisky of perfect balance. Typically most whiskies are chill-filtered and reduced to a strength of 40% ABV. Ardbeg ten year old, however, is non chill-filtered and has a strength of 46% ABV, thus retaining maximum flavour, at the same time giving more body and added depth. It’s whisky with none of the goodness taken out.
Nose: A burst of peat infused with zesty lime, wrapped in dark chocolate. Bold menthol slides through tarry ropes. Savour smoked fish, crispy bacon, green bell peppers and pear juice. With water, comes cool seaspray on chalky cliffs. Beewax and pine woodlands follow, while toasted vanilla simmers.
Taste: Crackling peat, black pepper and sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. A wave of brine infused with buttermilk and currants. Smoke wells up bringing toasted marshmallows while espresso and tarry smoke develop.
Finish: Long and smoky with aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley.
Alcohol Vol 46%