Ardbeg 5 years Wee Beastie

Meet the Ardbeg 5 years Wee Beastie, a bold and explosive whisky that proves that young does not mean losing character. This addition to the Ardbeg family is known as the ‘beastie’ of Islay, with a fierce peat smoke that awakens all your senses. Distilled with signature Ardbeg passion and matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, Wee Beastie offers a lively, raw and unpolished take on what Ardbeg has to offer.

Tasting note

Nose

As soon as you bring the nose to the glass, you are overwhelmed by intense aromas of peat smoke and smoked bacon, mixed with notes of black pepper, tar and a briny sea breeze. Subtly in the background, you discover hints of chocolate and green apple, which add an intriguing balance.

Taste

The flavour is an explosion of pure Islay power. A robust peat smoke fills the mouth, with layers of peppery spices, bitter pure cocoa and a hint of lemony freshness. The influence of the Oloroso sherry casks brings a heart-warming sweetness of sultanas and toffee, while the bourbon casks provide a touch of vanilla.

Finish

The finish is long and intense, with a smoky warmth that lingers, along with a tingle of spice and a subtle hint of roasted coffee beans.

Ardbeg Distillery

Ardbeg Distillery is located on the south coast of the island of Islay, famous for its rich whisky tradition. Founded in 1815 by the MacDougall family, Ardbeg has a turbulent history with several closures and re-openings, but has become one of the most highly regarded Islay distilleries.

A distinctive feature of Ardbeg Distillery is its strong peat influence, resulting in whiskies with an intense smokiness and maritime character. The distillery uses traditionally handmade copper pot stills and local peat from the surrounding peat fields, which gives the whiskies their distinctive aromas of smoke, sea salt, and tar, combined with hints of citrus and vanilla.

Ardbeg whiskies are mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which ensures a deep and complex flavour. The distillery is also known for its innovative approach, with experimentation in different cask types and maturation processes producing unique and award-winning expressions.

The combination of traditional production methods, an iconic location and an unmistakable flavour profile makes Ardbeg a leading name in the world of Scotch whisky.