Ardbeg Monsters of Smoke Gift Pack
Description
Don't be scared, come out from behind the sofa, these are very friendly monsters. If you are a fan of peated whisky, you might want to check out the Ardbeg Monsters of Smoke Gift Pack. This set contains three 20cl bottles of different expressions from the Islay distillery, each with its own unique character and flavour profile. Whether you prefer the classic Ardbeg 10 Year Old, the young and feisty Wee Beastie 5 Year Old, or the complex and rounded An Oa, you will find something to enjoy in this pack. Plus, each bottle has a hidden artwork beneath the label that you can peel and reveal.
Pronunciation
Ardbeg - this is easy to say, as it sounds - "ard-beg".
Wee beastie - go with - "we beast-ey" and you will be Scottish before you know it.
An oa - this looks scary but very simple - "an-o".
Ardbeg An Oa: This is a complex and balanced whisky, created by marrying different casks of Ardbeg whisky in a specially designed vat. The result is a whisky that combines the peaty punch of Ardbeg with the smoothness and sweetness of various cask finishes. The nose is smoky and creamy, with notes of toffee, aniseed, treacle, and dates. The palate is soft and velvety, with flavours of peach, banana, orange, and chocolate. The finish is long and smoky, with hints of spice, smoke, and oak.
Ardbeg 10 Year Old: This is the flagship expression of Ardbeg, and it showcases the distillery’s signature style of smoky, fruity, and spicy whisky. Do not worry if you do not pick up the following flavours you are only beginning. The nose is a burst of intense peat smoke, with notes of lemon, lime, dark chocolate, menthol, and black pepper. The palate is full-bodied and rich, with flavours of smoked fish, bacon, pineapple, pear, and green pepper. The finish is long and smoky, with hints of tar, graphite, and vanilla.
Flavours to look out for
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old: This is the newest addition to the Ardbeg core range, and it is a beast of a whisky. Aged for just five years, it is raw, powerful, and full of character. The nose is bright and herbal, with hints of vanilla, pear, pine resin, and honey-glazed ham. The palate is explosive and peppery, with notes of chocolate, coffee, liquorice, and smoked meat. The finish is long and smoky, with hints of clove, aniseed, and oak.
Distillery
Ardbeg is one of the most famous and revered distilleries in Scotland, and it is located on the south coast of Islay, the island known for its peaty whiskies. Ardbeg was founded in 1815, and it has a long and turbulent history, having faced periods of closure, neglect, and revival. Today, Ardbeg is owned by the French company Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), and it produces around 1.4 million litres of whisky per year. Ardbeg is known for its distinctive and intense style of whisky, which is heavily peated, non-chill filtered, and bottled at a high strength. Ardbeg has a loyal fan base, and it has won many awards and accolades for its whiskies. As a novice, keep your eye on this distillery and their related whiskies.
Region
Islay is a small island off the west coast of Scotland, and it is home to eight active whisky distilleries. Islay is famous for its peated whiskies, which have a smokey, medicinal, and maritime character. The peat is formed from the decayed vegetation that covers the island, and it is used to dry the malted barley that is used to make whisky. The peat gives the whisky a distinctive flavour and aroma, which varies depending on the location and source of the peat. Islay whiskies are also influenced by the sea, which adds a salty and briny note to the whisky. Islay is a popular destination for whisky lovers, who can visit the distilleries, taste the whiskies, and enjoy the scenery and culture of the island.