At just five years old, @Ardbeg Wee Beastie is the latest permanent expression to join the Distillery’s Ultimate Range. For this expression, Ardbeg set out to make the rawest, smokiest expression ever.
At 47.4% ABV. Non-chill filtered and aged 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts, this single malt is said to be “a feisty young creature with a formidable taste”
Nose: Smouldering sherry casks! Definitely younger, but that might be a good thing here……. medicinal notes, lots of salt. Apples! It’s almost as if the aromas have been imparted, but haven’t had a chance to blend fully, so they’re all still very much individual. The longer it sits, the more evident the berries and dark fruits become on the nose.
Palate: Ash all day long. Sweetness is there too but so too is the biiterness from the Ten, which is a shame, but not the end of the world. Smokey and sweet, but not a matured sweetness, more a zesty bright sweetness. Slight white pepper and plety of smouldering campfire goodness.
Finish: Nice warming finish with a touch of chili (as with the Corry). A good one for the cabinet, based on price point!
Overall: A spritely young whisky that has a lot going for it! A good one for the cabinet, based on price point!
Update: Just poured another glass. Wee Beastie has one of the most invitingly smokey sweet smells I can think of, of any whisky. It’s matured so well in the bottle that I’m excited to see what is like in a week!!
