Ardbeg – An Oa (70cl, 46.6%)

Ardbeg An Oa is a single malt Scotch whisky from Islay, bottled at 46.6% in a 70cl bottle. It is part of the Ultimate range and was rounded off in a purpose-built oak Gathering Vat, where whiskies from several cask types, including Pedro Ximenez, virgin charred oak and ex-bourbon casks, were left to marry. The nose is smoky, like burning applewood, with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates, then lime, pine resin and a touch of sea salt and seaweed. The palate is creamy and syrupy, with milk chocolate, orange, nutmeg, cinnamon and smoky tea leaves. The finish is long and sweet, with mint toffee and malty biscuit.