The first addition to Ardbeg’s ongoing range for a decade when introduced in 2017, An Oa is a combination of spirit aged in Pedro-Ximenez sherry casks and bourbon barrels. Married in a French-oak marrying vat, this is rounded and smoky with notes of toffee, aniseed, date and banana.
Tasting notes
Nose
Rounded and subtly smoky (applewood), with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With a drop of water, reminders of Ardbeg’s classic fragrance: lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candlewax, and hints of smoked herbs.
Palate
A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Long and sweet, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty, biscuit notes.
Finish
Lingering, seductive, gentle yet intense, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke.
