Tasting Notes: This 94.8 proof, 5-year-old expression of Ardbeg for $54.99 challenges the assumption that all scotch has to be aged at least 10 years to present a fully finished whiskey. While 5 years in Kentucky may be average, and 5 in Jalisco may be ancient, for the cold, rocky shores of Scotland, a 5-year-old is still relatively young. That being said, I think Wee Beastie does better than most, using the strong peat to make up for any shortcomings in the development of the malt via oak. On the nose, sweet pepper, BBQ smoke, fresh seaweed, and a slight cocoa note. On the palate, really delicious young tropical fruit meets more mellow smoke with lifted citrus emerging mid-palate. Instead of the darker fruit and raisin notes found in the underlying older expressions, this is all young tropical fruit, and just as tasty. Tell me this is a 12+ year-old malt, and I wouldn't bat an eye. This is akin to a smoke-heavy blended whisky with a nice fruity balance to go with the rich smoke. Delicious Young Ardbeg that Drinks Much Older
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