Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml

Details

• WHY:Whereas old school Scotch drinkers cut their teeth on Johnnie Black and Lagavulin 16, around 2007 a younger generationbegan gravitating to Ardbeg instead with its big, brash flavors of smoke, salt, iodine, peat, and citrus. The Ardbeg 10 year is the tamest of the bunch, but its still explosive compared to its counterparts. Packed with Islay whisky intensity, the 10 year brings richness at the rear with notes of dark chocolate and butterscotch.

• HOW:Ardbeg’s lighter body and profound salinity are what separate it from its neighbors on Islay, and are the result of a purifier that hangs under the lyne arm on its stills. Helping to separate out the lighter alcohol molecules from the heavier ones. The result is a refined and delicate texture, but still with plenty of concentration.

• WHAT:Ardbeg was purchased in 1997 by the Glenmorangie Company and LVMH, who subsequently revamped the distillery and released a number of high proof expressions that showcased a more flavorful and explosive style of Islay whisky. Under the stewardship of Dr. Bill Lumsden, the distillery became the darling of both critics and consumers, capturing multiple “Best Whisky in the World” awards and topping the annual best-of lists year after year.