Ardbeg An Oa is named after the Mull of Oa in the south west side of Islay, Scotland, which is where Ardbeg distillery is situated.

An Oa is one of the more approachable Ardbeg single malts, with many different casks influencing the whisky, without losing the characteristic Ardbeg peatiness.

Distinctively Ardbeg, the bottle is unique, emerald green, with black and gold text. It has an old style Celtic feel and reminds us somewhat of The Lord of the Rings.

An Oa is a combination of first fill bourbon, virgin oak, PX sherry cask and that heavy Ardbeg peat.

The whisky is a light golden colour. On the nose is leather, cigar and smoked meat, also aniseed, with sweet butterscotch. The An Oa is oily with a silky mouth feel, the flavour is quite long with multiple layers. There is the distinct Ardbeg signature peat, which conjures a sense of cigar smoke, BBQ and aniseed.

The bourbon cask more notable after the initial kick, with a sweetness of butterscotch and bananas. There is a bit of spice throughout; nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper from the French Oak.

It is of the more approachable Ardbegs, but still distinctly Ardbeg, it is cerebral and the variety of casks will target your many senses. Thanks to TheWhiskyList.com.au for providing the whisky and the Glencairn for our review. Thanks to the thewineprovidore.com.au for the cool bottle engraving.

To find the best price on this whisky or any others, check out The Whisky List.

Visit The Wine Providore for bottle engravings, which is a great gift idea.

COMPETITION – TheWhiskyList in partnership with Ardbeg are giving away a bottle of Ardbeg An Oa and 10 Year Old. Why? Because it’s a tasty whisky and we think whisky is best enjoyed when shared.

For your chance to win, head on over to @thewhiskylist, follow them and find their giveaway post to enter now.