Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Years Old

A recent and permanent expression released from Ardbeg is quite a monster of a dram. The Ardbeg Wee Beastie is matured in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks for a total of only 5 years. This dram may be young and called Wee, but it is big, smoky and intense.

Ardbeg Single Malts are said to be ‘The untamed spirit of Islay’ and I think most lovers of Islay’s peaty/smoky Whiskies would tend to agree.

A grand distillery with a great shop/visitor centre and a special cafe.

I joined the Ardbeg committee many years ago and have enjoyed purchasing Committee only releases throughout the years. Worldwide there are over 120,000 members. Visit the Ardbeg website and join today.

Let’s now have a wee tasting.

Ardbeg Wee Beastie, 5 Years Old – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 47.4% Alc/vol 70 cl

Colour…Harvest blonde

Nose…Initially it has a sweet start, then comes a large whiff of  smoke, you now need to get prepared for the taste.
Taste…The smoke is now quite chewy, tarry ropes, the Vital Spark arriving in Port Ellen, singed langoustines on the BBQ, soot from a seaside cottage peat fire hearth, it certainly is a beast.
Finish...It now evaporates teasingly on the palate, leaving impressions smoke drifting across a pebble beach, pepper spice, so pleasing, a dram that keeps on giving.

My first thought on tasting this quite exceptional Ardbeg was ‘call the bomb squad’ this one is explosive. It is one of the finest Ardbeg I have tasted in many a year.

Priced at only £36.95, it’s easily worth a lot more. This Ardbeg will always feature in my cabinet.

Well done to all at the distillery for producing such an outstanding Islay Single Malt which showcases the style of drams that come out of Ardbeg.