Ardbeg Wee Beastie

My Price: $53.95

Country/Area: Islay, Scotland

Distillery: Ardbeg

Proof/ABV: 98.4 Proof/ 47.4% ABV

Mash Bill: Malted Barely

Barrel: ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks

Age: 5 years

Nose: Smoke, Salt, Iodine

Taste: Salted Caramel, Peat Smoke, BBQ

Review: I picked up my bottle of Ardbeg Wee Beastie after seeing it review on the Whiskey Vault YouTube channel and in preparation for a hike of the South Beach Trail which all of my friends (including me) would consider a Wee Beastie of a hike. Admittedly, I am a fan of smokey Islay style whiskies. They were some of the first “high end” whiskies I tried when I was first introduced to whisky and I have loved them ever since.

The Wee Beastie does not hold back when it comes to the smoke and brine notes. Peppery BBQ appears on the nose and palate. The whiskey is slightly proofed down at 98.4 proof but it still manages to pack in the flavors. Upon initially opening the bottle I did feel like it was a bit young and brash. However, as I’ve sat with the bottle and continued to drink it, it feels more and more approachable with each pour. At a fraction the price of many other, and much older, Islay Scotches this may be one worth having on your bar. 

My Rating: Stock it if you like smokey whiskey.

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.

Cheers!

Rating scale:

-Spit: Don’t bother with this one. If a friend gives you a dram of it, are they even your friend?

-Shoot: Good enough to get you drunk.

-Sip: Tasty enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

-Stock: I’d recommend keeping a bottle on hand.