It was a beautiful summer night that we enjoyed on the patio overlooking the lake. A small group for this session, but there was no lack of conversation, wit and banter. As is often the case, we were solving the rest of the world’s problems. Unfortunately, we were interrupted repeatedly by phone calls from Chris J. who was not in attendance, but was clearly missing us. The world’s problems remain as a result. Blame Chris.
Round 1: Ardbeg 10 Year Old
Cost: $97 CDN
Region: Islay
Fun Facts:
The distillery may have is origins as far back as 1794 [and was reputedly originally the hideout of smugglers
NSC Comments:
Colour: Pale Colours
Nose: Strong smoke on the nose
Palate: Sharp on the first taste, but mellows on second sip
Finish: Less peat, and more smoke than expected
Pleasantly oily in the legs, and that carries onto the tongue.
Long nice finish, creamy oily on the throat… Really, really nice
Drinkability: 8.2,8,8,7,8,8.15
Round 2: Ardbeg An Oa
Cost: $110 CDN
Region: Islay
Fun Facts:
Said it already…
NSC Comments:
Colour: Just a bit darker than the 10 year old.
Nose: Smell a bit more peat but still Smokey heavy Sweet but harsher
Palate: Butterscotch taste. Seems a bit thinner
Finish: Disappears completely, just fades away
Water really opens it up and softens the glass big change
Drinkability: 6.5,7,6.5,6,6,6.5
Bonus Round: Ardbed Uigeadail
Cost: $145 CDN
Region: Islay
Fun Facts:
Said it already
NSC Comments:
Colour: Beautiful golden colour
Nose: Strong, as expected with higher strength, has the Ardbeg smoke
Palate: Bites back to start but as you sip, it becomes more and more embracing
Finish: Lots of smoke especially when you hold it in your month
Has the Ardbeg oil
One of us (only one, mind you) thinks it’s the most complex. We indulge that man…
