Ardbeg Ardbog was the 2013 Ardbeg Day release which made its debut at that year’s Fèis Ìle whisky festival. Aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-manzanilla sherry casks this is a peat n sweet lovers cask strength dream. Don’t get me wrong I looooove me some Uigeadail, but Oogie is aged in ex-Oloroso sherry casks which gives it a different kind of sweetness and overall character.
The sherry sweetness given to the Ardbog by the Manzanilla sherry casks is more buttery almost frosting like and comes in thicker than it does with Oogie. Though that’s also a bit to its detriment. Ardbog isn’t quite as complex as Oogie and so doesn’t hit quite as high of a score, but when you’re dealing with A grade whiskies does it really even matter at that point? No, you’re just going to be happy that you’re drinking exceptional whisky. They’re both peat ‘n sweet heaven and well worth their MSRP. However, Ardbog being a special edition from 2 years ago that pricing is long gone and its pricing is now in the hands of auctioneers, specialty shops and collectors.
Ardbeg Ardbog Review
Distiller: Ardbeg
Age: 10 years
ABV: 52.1%
Bottling: L13 044 07:36 6ML
Price: $170+ (mostly auction)
Cask Strength
Non-Chill Filtered
Natural Color
EYE
Butterscotch
NOSE
Peat and sweet heaven. Big rolling waves of peat followed by a thick sherry sweetness and notes of fruit, red vermouth, saline, iodine, smoked meat, antiseptic, charred pastry and a light toasted nuts note. Water helps the nose blossom and it becomes fresher and crisper.
PALATE
Again this is a peat and sweet wonderland with notes of sherry, grilled fruit, salt, vermouth, smoked meat and spice adding depth. Lighter notes of antiseptic, char, coca, and dark sweets come through nicely; coming through a bit stronger towards the end. Water brings out some light notes of butterscotch and dark honey.
FINISH
Long and peat driven with notes of fruit, salt, vermouth and smoked meat that fades to a sweet ashy character.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Nicely balanced, rich round body and a oily heavy feel.
OVERALL
I have zero complaints about the Ardbeg Ardbog and why would there be? It has a rich complex nose that’s sweet, savory and smoky; a dense mouthwatering flavor of the same and a finish that I never want to end. This is some great stuff and if you come across a bottle for a decent price I’d snatch it up and take it home because it’s a great whisky.
SCORE: 93/100
Ardbeg Ardbog
Value
This bottle of Ardbeg Ardbog came right off a shelf here in Los Angeles for $120 and I’d pay that again for it. The current auction prices though are getting a bit silly so its value will have to be between you and your bank account.
Overall
- Nose - 93
- Palate - 94
- Finish - 93
- Balance, Body & Feel - 92
I’m in LA. Where’s a good place to find a bottle? Thanks!
I honestly don’t know. It’s been sold out for a while and this one was a chance encounter. If you’re going to find it in the wild it’ll be in smaller liquor stores that got some when it was released and then sat on the shelf.
I’ve got a bottle I bought when it came out for about $60. I haven’t opened it yet, as it is sitting in the back of my cabinet with many other extinct bottlings. Your review makes me want to pop the cork, but I’ve got too many great whiskies open to open it. What to do?!?
That’s a tough decision, I’m always for the “drink it” mentality, but sometimes you gotta hold a few things back. Maybe make it your next “special occasion” whisky?
I’m just finishing my second bottle? I will say, I was taken by Ardbog, first taste, when this release came out. Limit was one bottle. I drove over 200 miles and ran up my charge card, to acquire three more of the Ardbog. I’m pretty sure I’ll open another some day, but for now, and to answer the question, I have open, one each, Supernova 2010, Ardbog #2, Galileo, Auriverdes, Perpetuum + Alligator #2. Unopened Day and more Alligator and Galileo. Recent releases have been too expensive. Auriverdes and Perpetuum were a personal disappointment, Galileo I’ve gifted to a friend. No one gets my Ardbog or Alligator. ;-)
But if you consider that Alligator and Ardbog are my favorites, that might make sense why the others aren’t as special to me personally.
I only have one of the releases one small noser on a special night when I can sit peacefully and sip without distraction. No sound, maybe a fire, by myself. Maybe once a month?
Next shopping trip I’m adding a Uigeadail, mostly because of this Whiskeyjug review. I’m sure now that I will like it.
Jealous of that Alligator! Thanks for sharing Pete, hope you enjoy that Oogie. Cheers!
Thanks Josh and The Whiskey Jug, I found a bottle of Oogie locally, didn’t have to drive to IL. And I’ll add, the price was reasonable. Actually I found two local stores that have some, one was crazy, the other just under $60 which is right at my Max. price limit.
Close enough to Ardbog for me to be able to enjoy when the mood strikes and save the unopened Ardbog for a special occasion. But I know I should open it instead, what good is a great scotch, still in a sealed bottle?
That’s a great price on that Oogie Pete! I know the feeling and I have an unopened Ardbog for the same reason. I know I’ll open it at some point, but it keeps getting pushed down the line :P Cheers!