ardbeg 10 years old

A fine fine whisky.

Felt like roasting marshmellow with peat, twigs, and coconut shell, with sea breeze blowing in your face. Chokingly smoky even for a smoker if you don't sip it slowly. Tasted older than ten year if you ask me.

This malt has character, definitely, complex and rank. On the nose it might be enjoyable still for some but the way it finishes, in this foul taste, you really have to screw up your nose. I, too, cannot savour any smokiness here, just phenolic, stale, boggy flavours contrasted by a subtle but even rankier sweetness against the earthy background. And because its after taste is extremely resistant, the Lagavulin 16 Year Old is, like an emetic, urging you towards nausea if you don't stop! Thus the character is there but the balance is really bad (not to say odious). In jest: if you like bad things, you'll love this one!

First full size bottle I ever bought, and a damn fine purchase. Peat, iodine, smoke...and a long smooth finish. Not to mention the affordable price tag.

Probably one of the best Islay values--and the best Ardbeg value--in my opinion. Very good scotch and it doesn't make a huge dent in your wallet.

On par with the Laphroaig 10 on many fronts - bitter, warm, oily, smokey. This has a bit more attack with or without water. I suggest neat with a lot of aeration.

If I was to compare this as a red wine - between Cheval Blanc and supermarket plonk this would come in at about £25/bottle. A single dimensional taste rather than presenting a layered palette of taste however a good clarity of that taste delivered in silk if tasted by sipping.

A real killer, this one. In my opinion water is a necessity. Remarkably dry and salt and therefore even more powerful than the Laphroaig 10jr or the Talisker 10jr.

Very quickly becoming my favourite 'entry level' Islay malt: it's less medicinal than Lagavulin, more smokey than Laphroaig and wilder than Bowmore.

If you want to get into Islay, don't start with this. I've had Laphroaig's 10, 15, and Quarter Cask (Laphroaig 10 is my favorite whisky so far). The character of Ardbeg 10 is not elegant, complex, and rich like Laphroaig 10, but is rather belligerent, reckless, and hyperactive. Comparing these two whiskies is kind of like comparing Athens and Sparta. This whisky, while very enjoyable, is not quite my cup of tea. However, if you want a whisky that spits in your face and insults your character while screaming obscenities in your ear, Ardbeg 10 is for you.

A powerful whiskey that's kinda white wine like and elegant, but with the kick of a nice bourbon.

an instant classic. Buy this.

If you like peat : this is the one to try. One of my favouriotes. Always present on my cabinet

A nip of the bog dew in your bivouac just as the fire goes out and the morning fog rolls in. Either that or brilliant merchandising from the Liquid Smoke people.

A truly great and approachable Islay. Smoke and peat is not overpowering, but allows more subtle flavours to sneak through.

A beautifully balanced Islay with lovely structure and complexity. Water it for more smoke, but you'll sacrifice the intensity of the finish in doing so. I can't decide which way i like it better. Definitely a whisky worth keeping on hand.

Right in there with Talisker, Laphroaig and Lagavulin. If you like smokey-peaty you'll love this Ardbeg.

This is a big Islay, non-chill filtered. Very fine value and one of Ardbeg's best.