Ardbeg 10 - Review and Tasting Notes

The Story

For some reason, I have always seen Ardbeg as something of a rival to my beloved Laphroaig.

This is ridiculous, I know.

It's the many similarities but critical differences that do it to me.

They're both Islay distilleries that produce an unabashedly peaty malt that avoids being one dimensional.  Key similarity.  A key difference is the "type" of peatiness, with Ardbeg's being the more smoky and dry campfire type and Laphroaig's being the more wet, moist and drippy type.

They both experiment with different cask finishes.  They both produced a sherried peaty malt.  They both produce a yearly malt (although Ardbeg produces several).  Their drams come at similar price points.

And, most importantly, they both produce damn fine whisky.  Just check out how much I loved the Corryvreckan or Uigeadail.

You tend to find that whisky lovers and specifically peat lovers will end up gravitating towards one or the other, thus further embedding the rivalry in my mind.

Well, I've long considered the Laphroaig 10 to be the best value in the single malt world, so when I saw Ardbeg's 10 year on sale at the local store, I knew what I had to do.  I had to step into the dark side and give it a shot.


Tasting Notes

Nose: That dry, woody smoke and iodine take the fore as expected.   Some brine and seawater along side.

Palate: Before the peaty onslaught, a cooling vanilla fills the tongue.  But then there's that peaty onslaught, with the same, dry, campfire taste as is on the palate.  It's intense but finds the right spot and is not heavy handed.  Some oranges make up the fruit, and there is a hint of malty sweetness.

Finish: An intense smoky finish is in order, of medium length.  A twinge of tobacco and vanilla come in towards the end.


Review

Okay.  So that's a pretty good whisky, if unspectacular.

I found it less "big" than Ardbeg's more celebrated Corryvreckan and Uigeadail... which isn't necessarily a bad thing.  It's not every day that you need to have a huge whisky to knock your socks off.  Sometimes you just want to coolly sip on something delicious, and the opportunity is provided here.

That said, if you're looking at your monthly scotch purchase, I'd probably be inclined to find the extra 15-20$ to buy the Corryvreckan or Uigeadail... they're just better, and you won't regret it.

Oh, and to finish with the rivalry theme, if you find yourself looking for a 10 year old peaty scotch, I'd go with the Laphroaig hands down.  It's a touch cheaper and brings more to the plate.


Scotch Dreams Score: 88