The first addition to Ardbeg's ongoing range for a decade when introduced in 2017, An Oa is a combination of spirit aged in Pedro-Ximenez sherry casks and bourbon barrels. Married in a French-oak marrying vat, this is rounded and smoky with notes of toffee, aniseed, date and banana.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
Damp earth and leaves with softly building smokiness, lime peel, wine gums, limestone minerality, and a touch of swimming pools and sea spray freshness.
PALATE
Sweet smoke and chocolate, tarry notes, bung cloth and dunnage warehouses. Rich sweetness cuts through the centre, wrapped with smoke. Gentle creaminess develops, with caffe latte dusted with cocoa and icing sugar. Water adds to the creaminess with toffee sweetness.
FINISH
A burst of berry fruit disappears to reveal stony minerality, brine and a pinch of white pepper.