$78.99
Description
The distillery was founded in 1815 and is a fixture on Islay’s southern coast. It has been mothballed many times until finally purchased by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey) in 1997. Quite a cult following.
Taste
Pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’.
Nose: Rich and weighty with heady and smoky aromatics. At full strength, the initial aroma is a beguiling mix of warm Christmas cake, walnut oil, and parma violets fused with fresh ocean spice, cedar, and pine needles falling from the Christmas tree. A smoldering coal fire and the scent of well-oiled leather bring warmth. The sweetness of treacle toffees and chocolate-coated raisins emerge through the smoke. With water, the deep smokiness increases in intensity, reminiscent of a fired Christmas pudding. Rich flowering currants and warm baked banana and walnut bread are served with simmering mocha espresso.
Palate: Full flavored and rich with a deep mouth-coating texture, the taste is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy, and deep smoky flavors. The flavor is initially sweet. A burst of winter spices sets off a smoky-spicy explosion countered by a sumptuous mid-palate of honey-glazed smoked food and chewy treacle. Waves of deep smoky tones and rich aromas build up on the palate like a fine Montecristo cigar.
Finish: Amazingly long and chewy with lingering raisiny, deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke into the perfectly integrated finish.
Details
- Bottle Size750
- DistilleryArdbeg
- StyleSingle Malt Scotch
- RegionIslay
- AgeNA
- ABV54.2%
- Country of OriginScotland
- Cask StrengthYes