I tasted this against Caol Isla, which I often use as a benchmark in tasting lineups for Islay whiskies or Scotch in general. Coal Isla has a more oceanic nose. The Ardbeg comes across as darker and earthier aromatically, as though filtered through composted autumn leaves, yet somehow more lifted, perhaps due to the sweetness. This doesn’t hit you over the head with peat, but it’s certainly present.rnrnOverall, I found the aromatics an unusual mix of savory and sweet. Though not my cup of tea, there’s plenty to appreciate for those that enjoy dark malts and earthy aromas.
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Suzanne Bayard struck out to the West Coast with her now husband almost a decade ago to explore the intersection of wine and policy in its world-class wine regions. She manages a Portland, OR bottle shop by day as the wine buyer and newsletter editor. She is also the Director of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization of 30 Willamette Valley wineries that educate on and promote dry farming and sustainable practices. She joined the Whiskey Wash to explore two other passions: writing and whiskey.
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