First Impressions
Wee Beastie arrived in 2020 as the youngest permanent Ardbeg, a deliberate counterpoint to the Ten.
Distillery & Heritage
Ardbeg has stood on Islay's south shore since 1815, weathered closure in the 1980s and was rescued by Glenmorangie in 1997. Wee Beastie is bottled non-chill-filtered at 47.4% and matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The youth shows in its energy rather than rough edges. Pine, tar and smoked meats dominate the nose; the palate piles on charcoal and pepper before the Oloroso lends a thread of dark chocolate.
Verdict
An entry-level Ardbeg with attitude and remarkable value.
