Ardbeg – An Oa

Ardbeg An Oa is an Islay single malt built from whiskies matured in several cask types, married together in an oak Gathering Vat. These include sweet Pedro Ximenez, spicy virgin charred oak and intense ex-bourbon casks. The distiller describes a nose of aniseed, hickory and distant, subtle smoke. The palate has a smooth, creamy texture and a big syrupy sweetness, with milk chocolate, treacle toffee, orange, smoky tea leaves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cigar smoke and an unusual note of grilled artichokes. The finish is long and sweet, with floral overtones, mint toffee and gentle malty biscuit.