Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by Ardbeg. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
This scotch is definitely for those of you who like age statements. Ardbeg has not had a core-range whisky with an age statement in two decades. The new Ardbeg Traigh Bhan is the first permanent age statement whisky which has been released by the distillery in 20 years. It is small batch and will come in annual releases. This review is for the first release in 2019.
To mark each annual bottling, a unique code will appear on the label, allowing you to research the whisky’s story online. My sample is not a full size bottle so I can’t elaborate on that experience.
The expression is named after Traigh Bhan, a beach on Ardbeg’s home island of Islay. It’s pronounced ‘Tri-Van’, which means “white soft sands that sing beneath your feet”.
I sampled this whisky on several occasions and found it to be a lovely fall companion. It was great for those fresh cool fall days when the leaves are falling. Perfect on a day sitting outdoors and enjoying a drink with friends. This whisky is quite balanced, with a complex aroma and mouth feel. Because it sits on your palate for a long time, one pour can carry your taste buds throughout the night.
I’m a fan of Ardbeg and the annual releases are always fun to try. Some I appreciate more than others. I enjoyed this whisky, but for me, the $300 price tag will make me pause in the liquor store. I think this bottle isn’t for the average whisky consumer, but surely for peat and Ardbeg fans.
Tasting Notes: Ardbeg Traign Bhan 19 Year Old
Vital Stats: 46.2% ABV, 19-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, $300 for 750 ml bottle
Appearance: Clear pale lemon-gold color. It comes in the classic green Ardbeg bottle.
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Nose: At first the aroma is clean with an aroma of crisp apple, pine, and a fall leaves smell. As you let it sit in the glass the classic peat smell grows more pronounced. Overall the aroma is peaty and smooth with a slight hint of sweet. Oak, leather, dry leaves, and pine are more prominent on the nose.
Palate: The undeniable peat an smoke flavor breaks thru on the first taste It is a bit oily and has a very long finish. The salty, smoky taste lingers for quite some time.
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