Ardbeg is currently one of the more hip distilleries of Single Malt Scotch. It is an Islay whisky owned by the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy group, who also own Glenmorangie. Ardbeg is known for it's peated whisky, although they do produce unpeated whisky as well. If you have never had a peated whisky, this is a good start as the peat really stands out in this whisky. If you are not familiar with peat, it is basically soil from a peat bog or marsh. The peat is burnt as fuel to dry the barley, passing along a smokey, and well, peaty flavor.
Color: Pale Straw
Nose: Peat, citrus, honey, slightly floral
Palate: A touch of salt in the beginning, peaty, smoky, toffee
Finish: Nice and long with more peat and smoke
Price: $49
Overall: I find that peated whisky is typically a love it or hate it affair. Like I said earlier, if you have never had one, I feel this is a good starting point to see into which group you fall. As always, I would recommend buying a mini bottle or trying in a bar before purchasing a whole bottle, if possible. In a lot of areas of the U.S. this may not be possible. Ardbeg 10 is a very lively, flavorful whisky which will never bore the palate. An excellent value.
