Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Batch 3
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46.2% ABV
$300 – $370
Website
What the Distillery Says
From the Ardbeg Distillery to Port Ellen and beyond, follow the rocky coast and you will discover the heavenly vista of Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van), the beautiful beach known locally as the Singing Sands…
For this captivating place has white soft sands that sing beneath your feet, a hum that ebbs and flows with the winds and the tides. But beguiling as this place is, do not drop your guard. Bathing is ill advised in the seemingly tame crystal waters where jagged, volcanic rocks pierce the sands along the shore.
CURLS AND WISPS
Scented wood smoke billows, mingling with sea spray carried on the air. Wisps of pine resin, aniseed toffee and sweet lilies follow on the breeze. A flood of fresh citrus zest with a touch of cayenne pepper piques the senses, while a splash of water chases in a flow of waxy notes and charcoal, with droplets of classic Sherry and linseed oil.
TIDES OF CHANGE
A rush of rich, sappy texture is followed moments later by classic, sweet, smokiness, with tarry rope and treacle toffee bobbing on the palate. A second wave brings a ripple of soot and aniseed twists. Smoke is distant now but present, while smoked brown sugar, sugar coated walnuts and gentle spices float gently then dissolve. A long, unhurried finish carries bitter almonds, linseed oil, clove, pepper and soot in its wake, slowly drifting away.
Batch No. TB/03-10.10.01/21/BL
What Gary Says
Nose: Peat smoke, salty sea air, coastal camp fire, creosote, tar, smoked pork, hints of grapefruit, tangerines, nylon rope and wet bandages.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, vanilla, peaches, pears, peat and cracked pepper.
Finish: Moderately long and wet with fruit, peat smoke and tobacco.
Comments: I’m a fan of Ardbeg, and to me this is a lovely, complex, nuanced dram. The meaty, smokey, brininess on the nose just transports me to what I imagine it must be like to have an open-pit fire on an Islay beach. A bit of water brings out caramel crème and honey on the palate. While I enjoy it, at this price point I’m not a buyer.