Ardbeg – An Oa Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46.6%)

Ardbeg An Oa is a non-age-statement Islay single malt, bottled at 46.6% and not chill-filtered. It was launched in 2017 and takes its name from the Mull of Oa peninsula on Islay. The whisky is matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and virgin charred oak, then combined in a French oak vat known as the Gathering Vat before bottling. Tasting notes describe earthy peat, burning applewood, toffee and aniseed on the nose, with dried fruit and a hint of seaweed. The palate sets medium-bodied peat smoke against tea, dark chocolate and treacle toffee, and the finish is long, with black tea, clove and dry oak.