Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 2008

Ardbeg 1990 Airigh Nam Beist Islay single malt Scotch whisky. 18 Year Old bottled 2008.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg Distillery was established in Ardbeg on the Kildalton Peninsular on the Isle of Islay in 1815 by John McDougal. Ardbeg Distillery draws soft peaty water from Loch Uigeadail and Loch Airigh nam Beist up amongst the hills behind the distillery. Ardbeg Distillery is a participant in the world famous Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Visitors are welcome at the distillery visitor center which offers Ardbeg Distillery tours and serves delicious Scottish fare in the Ardbeg Café. 

Nose: The initial impression is of eating Ardbeg ice cream on the beach – the combination of sea spray, creamy vanilla ice cream infused with hints of peat oil, finished with a drizzle of gooey fudge sauce. Cutting through this luscious sweetness is an exciting assortment of fennel and pine nuts, zesty limes and sherbet with a touch of geranium leaves and lavender.

Taste: Definitely Ardbeg on the taste with peat, seaweed bonfire smokiness. Crispy smoky bacon, maple syrup and antiseptic lozenges leave a peppery and oily feel on the palate. Sweet and fruity flavours of ripe autumn fruits and chocolate limes emerge as notes of black coffee, liquorice and reminders of parma violets linger in the background.

Finish: Long on the finish with dried peat and creamy notes.