Ardbeg Ten

Ardbeg Ten

A review by Tommy Byrne

Overall rating: 1 L Duty Free Bottle  9/10 (Single Malt notation)
                      750 ml Regular Bottle 8,5/10 (Single Malt notation)

Having struggled for many years and having had to shut down a few times, the Ardbeg distillery is now on a good streak. Since its latest reopening and purchase by Glenmorangie in 1997, it has largely beneficiated from the global boom of single malts. Self-proclaimed “the smokiest and peatiest whisky in the world” and “the ultimate single Islay malt scotch whisky”, Ardbeg Ten has already won many awards, including the “Best Whisky in the World” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 3 years in a row.

I was surprised to find in this dark bottle such a pale whisky, very similar to a fino sherry. Visually and psychologically, I tend to prefer a deeper and warmer color, but it’s not the end of the world, let’s move on. Behind the first impressions of peat and smoke which are obviously very present in the nose, lays a nice aroma of French brioche and apple cider. Later during the tasting, some bitter chocolate note subtly appears. The palate is oaky, slightly sulphured, pungent (turnip and cabbage) and some aromas from the distillation process are quite present (leather). The finish is medium-long.

This was only the second time I tried Ardbeg Ten, and to my recollection, it was better the first time. When I opened it, the cork slightly popped like champagne bottle, which sounded a little strange. Tasting it, I found that some of its notable essences (medicinal) were missing. I will definitely try to get my hands on another bottle soon to re-evaluate it, but in the meantime, Laphroaig is still the best to me…and 35$ less!

ADDED on 8 april 2013

I have just tasted the same bottle and found my error.  You have to let this whisky breathe and open up for at least 10 minutes until tasting it.  The same whisky fully opened and exploded with all its expected flavours. However, at the same time, I tasted another bottle of the same Ardbeg Ten and proved to be weaker and never opened up even after adding water and leaving it to breathe for over 30 minutes.