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Ardbeg, Wee Beastie, 5-Year-Old, Islay, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (47.4%)

  • Scotch Whisky
Product: 10008059716
Ardbeg, Wee Beastie, 5-Year-Old, Islay, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (47.4%)

Description

Ardbeg's Wee Beastie 5-Year-Old is a youthful single malt drawn from a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, bottled at five years of age. Peat and bonfire smoke up front, with a rustic note reminiscent of mezcal, this has a nicely integrated soft oaky backbone. Although not as aggressive as the name suggests, the Wee Beastie has a satisfyingly full flavour profile that makes for a gentle introduction to the Ardbeg style. One to try with anything from dark chocolate to barbequed ribs

Sam Phillips, Commercial Spirits Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd (Sep 2022)

Product Type Scotch Whisky
Main Ingredients Barley
Region Scotch Whisky OLD SAP
Producer Ardbeg Distillery, Islay

About this spirit

Ardbeg Distillery, Islay

The origins of Ardbeg (which in Gaelic means small headland) Distillery date as far back as 1794. John MacDougall established the present distillery on the south coast of Islay in 1815 and it was fully operational by 1817. The MacDougall family retained ownership until 1977 when Hiram Walker gained control. However, with most of its output used in blending, Ardbeg struggled to remain viable during the economic downturn of the 1970s, resulting in it being run on a care and maintenance basis from 1983. The distillery closed in July 1996, only to reopen in 1997. Ardbeg maintains the robust and earthy aromas associated with Islay malts. Described as having a hefty bite and a rich finish, flavours detected include peat smoke, seaweed, sawdust and iodine. Glenmorangie Plc bought the distillery in 1997. The new owners revived the tradition of producing a very peaty single malt. All the production is sold as single malt (which is rather unusual in the world of whisky). In 2019, a new still house was built to keep up with the increasing demand for this single malt. However, due to the Covid pandemic, it wasn’t opened until March 2021. Ardbeg is now the third most important Islay malt, with a range of limited releases showing its constant experimentation. (Adapted from the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2024)
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Barley

Barley is a key ingredient in the production of some of the world's most renowned spirits, particularly whiskey and Scotch whisky. Malted barley is used as the primary grain in many single malt and blended Scotch whiskies, where it contributes a distinct malty, nutty, and sometimes smoky flavour profile. In addition to Scotch, barley is also a staple in the production of Irish whiskey, where it often lends a smoother, creamier taste. The versatility of barley as a grain makes it a favorite for creating complex and deeply nuanced spirits cherished by enthusiasts worldwide.

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