Ardbeg Ardbog

Spirit Name: Rating:	Ardbeg Ardbog ★★★★☆
Score:	81/100
ABV:	52.1%
Region:	Islay, Scotland
Body:	Medium
Intensity:	Medium
Texture:	Medium
Balance:	Superb
Best served: Reaction:	Neat Disappointed
Theme(s):	The usual Islay suspects lurk with the mild puff of peat smoke, a spray of salt and the sting of iodine. Some citrus cuts through an earthy nuttiness as sugary stewed apple takes over.
Tasting notes:	My initial reaction to tasting Ardbog was disappointment. Firstly, the Ardbog costs about $160 in Australia. Secondly, the whiskies that make up Ardbog are aged for at least 10 years. What this shows in my opinion is that the Ardbeg marketing machine and distillery has churned out pure gold in the past years, amassing an army of loyal followers who would be willing to hand over $160 for a 10 year old whisky. The Ardbog I tasted was, to say the least, lackluster. Ardbog struck me as very smooth and boasted impeccable balance, and while all the usual Islay suspects were there (peat, some salt, iodine etc but with some lovely nuttiness and sharp citrus that was outweighed by sweet stewed apples) it was boring and lacking in fireworks. There is a milder peat in the character of the Ardbog that balances against the Manzanilla cask influence, though it did taste overly sweet. This expression offers a less explosive Ardbeg peat, and while it is sensationally smooth I was not moved by it.
Likes:	Smooth and very drinkable
Dislikes:	Somewhat boring, and to be frank, seems to me to be a little excessively priced!
Price:	~$160 (Aus)