Ardbeg – An Oa

Ardbeg An Oa is an Islay single malt and the first new permanent addition to the distillery's core range in ten years. It takes its name from the Oa peninsula in the south of Islay. The whisky was matured in Pedro Ximénez, virgin oak and ex-bourbon casks, then married in a large French oak vat in Ardbeg's Gathering Room. The nose is sweet and creamy, with butterscotch, fennel seed, tobacco leaf, honey and subtle citrus like flourless orange cake. The palate keeps plenty of peaty drive in a lighter body, with cigars, golden syrup flapjacks and sweet black tea. The finish is smoky molasses with a little peanut brittle.