Ardbeg 10 year is one of the Islay Scotches (my personal favorite) on the smoky end of the flavor spectrum.  More specifically, as the previously mentioned spectrum is not one dimensional, this scotch has some very distinct flavors, the most notable of which is peat.  Second to the peat is a smoky or slightly burnt flavor.

The flavor is strong when neat and tamed a little with a single ice cube.  One cube allowed to melt slightly in a couple ounces of this nectar is enough to make it as refreshing as mountain spring water.  When tasted neat the first sip is a little salty.  This slight saltiness is good in my opinion.  In the Whisky Classified salt would be a medicinal flavor. while peat is a smoky flavor.  In my opinion the smoke flavor is stronger than the medicinal flavor, contrary to the classification given by David Wishart.  It is a very strong tasting scotch, full bodied.  I don’t taste a hint of any other flavors, but then again I’m just a heavy scotch drinker and don’t claim to have a refined educated palate.

Ardbeg 10 year is not complex, which is a complement in my world.  Its flavor is very distinct and very identifiable.  It doesn’t try to be a little of everything or have a flavor that is orthogonal to its aroma (nose).  It simply is what it is, a perfect representation of how good something can be when all energy is focused on a single goal.

This scotch is lighter in color than many single malts which makes me feel refreshed as I drink it.

I have developed an expensive scotch taste, typically preferring 18 year or older single malts.  So my go to budget scotch is Ardbeg 10 year, typically 40$ – 45$ for a 750ml here in NJ.

copyright 2014 David R Bergman