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Ardbeg 10 Years Old Review – One of 2015’s Best Scotch Whiskeys

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Ardbeg 10 Years Old Review

Ardbeg 10 Years Old is one of the most popular single malt scotch whiskies available on the market today. It is a flagship expression from the Ardbeg distillery, known for its heavily peated single malts.

I had the pleasure of trying Ardbeg 10 Years Old recently, and I must say that I was extremely impressed by its complex and well-balanced flavors.

Ardbeg 10 Years Old Overview

Product History

Ardbeg 10 Years Old is a single malt scotch whiskey produced by the Ardbeg distillery in Islay, Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1815 and has a long history of producing some of the world’s best whiskey.

Ardbeg 10 Years Old is one of the flagship products of the distillery and has been around for over a decade. It is made using 100% malted barley and is aged for at least 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels.

The whiskey is heavily peated, with a phenol content of 55 to 65 ppm. It is bottled at 46% ABV and is non-chill filtered, which means that it retains all of its natural flavors and aromas.

Price Range

Ardbeg 10 Years Old is widely available and is priced at around $20–$50 per 750 ml bottle. This makes it an affordable option for those who are looking for a quality single malt scotch whiskey.

The price range may vary depending on the location and the retailer, but it is generally considered to be good value for money.

Ardbeg 10 Years Oldphoto credit: media.danmurphys.com.au

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Ardbeg 10 Years Old has a pungent aroma with a strong peaty smell. The smoky scent is reminiscent of campfires and toasted wood.

There is also a subtle hint of vanilla and brine that can be detected beneath the peat smell.

Flavor

The flavor of Ardbeg 10 Years Old is full-bodied with a tinge of sweetness. The malted grains and oaky vanilla give it a smooth taste that is balanced with the smoky peat flavor.

The collision of lightness and smoke that Ardbeg is known for is present in the flavor profile.

Finish

The finish of Ardbeg 10 Years Old is long-lasting with a delicate mouthfeel. The powerful flavors linger on the tongue, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

The lightness and smoke flavors are still present in the finish, making it a well-balanced scotch whiskey.

Rating

Ardbeg 10 Years Old is an excellent scotch whiskey that is a benchmark Islay expression. I would rate it a 9 out of 10 for its unique flavor profile and long-lasting finish. It is one of the best scotch whiskeys of 2015 and has remained a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.

Mixing and Pairing

Best Mixersphoto credit: live.staticflickr.com

Best Mixers

Ardbeg 10 Years Old is a bold and complex single malt scotch whisky that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with a variety of mixers. However, it is important to choose mixers that complement the smoky and peaty flavors of this scotch whisky.

Some of the best mixers for Ardbeg 10 Years Old include ginger ale, soda water, and tonic water.

These mixers add a refreshing and effervescent quality to the whisky, without overpowering its flavors. Additionally, adding a splash of citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, can help to balance out the smoky notes.

Cocktail Suggestionsphoto credit: live.staticflickr.com

Cocktail Suggestions

Ardbeg 10 Years Old can also be used in a variety of cocktails, adding a unique and smoky twist to classic recipes. Here are a few cocktail suggestions to try:

  • The Penicillin: This cocktail is a modern classic, combining Ardbeg 10 Years Old with honey, lemon juice, and ginger syrup. The result is a sweet and spicy cocktail that highlights the smoky notes of the whisky.
  • The Rob Roy: This classic cocktail is a variation on the Manhattan, using scotch whisky instead of bourbon. Ardbeg 10 Years Old adds a smoky and complex flavor to this cocktail, which is typically made with sweet vermouth and bitters.
  • The Rusty Nail: This simple cocktail combines Ardbeg 10 Years Old with Drambuie, a sweet and herbal liqueur. The result is a smooth and slightly sweet cocktail that highlights the smoky notes of the whisky.

Food Pairingsphoto credit: www.ikea.com

Food Pairings

Ardbeg 10 Years Old pairs well with a variety of foods, especially those with bold and complex flavors. Here are a few food pairing suggestions to try:

  • Smoked Salmon: The smoky notes of Ardbeg 10 Years Old complement the rich and oily flavors of smoked salmon, creating a perfect pairing.
  • Roasted Meats: Ardbeg 10 Years Old pairs well with roasted meats, such as beef or lamb. The smoky and peaty flavors of the whisky complement the rich and savory flavors of the meat.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bold and complex flavors of Ardbeg 10 Years Old pair well with dark chocolate, which has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor. The combination of the two creates a unique and satisfying flavor experience.

Conclusion

Ardbeg 10 Years Old is a must-try for any whiskey lover. It offers a unique and complex flavor profile that is sure to impress, and its high quality makes it a great choice for any occasion. Whether you’re sipping it neat or mixing it into a cocktail, this whiskey is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Related Posts

As a whiskey enthusiast, I have had the pleasure of trying many different types of whiskey. If you enjoyed the Ardbeg 10 Years Old, then you might also enjoy the following whiskeys:

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