The whiskey wash logo
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website

Trending Stories

Search
Scotch

Thompson Bros Ardbeg 2008 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review

Can a refill butt let Ardbeg’s smoky soul shine? This 16-year Thompson Bros single cask answers with citrus, brine and soot.

OVERALL RATING

10
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes

About:

A 16-Year-Old single malt from Islay’s Ardbeg distillery, bottled by the Dornoch distillery based independent bottler Thompson Bros. This exclusive single cask whisky was specially selected and bottled to celebrate the Thompson Family’s 25th anniversary at the Dornoch Castle Hotel in 2025. Distilled on the 29th October 2008, this whisky was matured for 16-years in a refill butt. Only 200 bottles were produced, at natural colour and non-chill filtered. Bottled at 57.1% ABV.
Appearance:
Pale Straw
Nose:
Opens with aromas of barbequed lemon citrus shifting to industrial notes of metal polish, paraffin and sooty smoke alongside coastal salt and crushed oyster shells. In the background a faint scent of cured ham.
Palate:
Very oily on the palate, opening with notes of chargrilled lemon and lime citrus balanced by bonfire smoke and ash accompanied by crushed oyster shell minerality. Barbequed meat notes develop with touches of salt and chilli, shifting into slightly bitter dark chocolate, turmeric spice and earthy peat.
Finish:
Long, with lingering industrial smoke and earthy peat.
Comments:
A well-aged independent Ardbeg from Thompson Bros, this 16-Year-Old single cask release is full of sooty smoke with some bold and enjoyable notes of chargrilled citrus and cured meats. There seems to be very limited influence from the refill sherry butt, I did not pick any dried fruit notes but this allows a clear example of Ardbeg’s character. A great example of an older age statement and cask strength Ardbeg.

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.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash

The whiskey wash logo