Ardbeg 8 - For Discussion

Whisky: Ardbeg 8 - For Discussion 

Region: Islay

ABV: 50.8%

Price: £57

We’re big Ardbeg fans so what better dram to review today than the new Ardbeg 8. Here’s some initial thoughts to kick off the “Discussion”

Nose

Nose is very malty, with brioche, smoked cashew nuts, lychees and orange peel. The peat is there, but it fades into the background with time and air. A good start.

Palate

Palate is very balanced. We’re getting notes of orange juice, toffee, oil, a slight saltiness, and of course smoke. The sherry is more obvious on the palate than it is on the nose.

Nose (with water)

With water the peat disappears and you get a fruit salad comprising of pineapple and passion fruit mixed with a touch of fresh thyme.

Palate (with water)

With the addition of water we find the vegetal notes coming to the fore front with the existing fruit becoming charred. A pleasant warming white pepper finish.

Conclusion

This is one of the better Ardbeg releases in recent years. Reasonably priced and nice to see a return of the age statement. For £57 we’d take another bottle or two. Hopefully the future committee releases follow suit.

Score: 8/10

• 10 - Perfection. A whisky that we’ll remember forever.
• 9 - Amazing. We’d pay through the nose for a bottle.
• 8 - Great. Pick this up at RRP.
• 7 - Good. Happy to have a dram or two but wouldn’t buy a bottle.
• 6 - Passable. Would accept a dram, but wouldn’t seek it out.
• 5 - Poor. Would drink if it was the only option.
• 4 - Bad. Maybe it can be saved by ginger beer?
• 3 - Awful. It can't be saved by ginger beer.
• 2 - Pour it out
• 1 - We’ve never tried a whisky rated this low and hopefully never will.

Have you tried Ardbeg 8? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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