Ardbeg An Oa

Score: 64

Ardbeg An Oa made its club debut with quiet confidence and smoky finesse, earning 3rd place out of 6 and immediately sparking conversation. Though Ardbeg 10 had long been a known quantity, this was the first time the club encountered An Oa, and it didn’t disappoint. This is classic Ardbeg, but with added depth. The nose is tarry, oily, inky, and earthy, peat smoke layered with bitter oak and a whisper of sweet sherry. The palate is a touch thin, but the finish roars to life, delivering a smoky crescendo that lingers long after the glass is empty. An Oa is a peaty single malt with great complexity. It’s a smoke bomb, yes—but one with nuance and softness. Less brute force than the 10, more measured chaos. It doesn’t try to dominate the room, but it earns its place with balance and character. Its 3rd-place finish was a strong showing for a first-timer. Not just delicious, but intriguing, a dram that left members curious and impressed.