Here in Michigan we’re starting to get back into those cool fall temperatures, or as I like to call it, the beginning of whisky season. So, the other weekend I stopped by the local liquor store and picked up a bottle of Ardbeg 10. Wasn’t really looking for anything very expensive, the only prerequisite was that it have some peat.

The Ardbeg 10 is a single malt scotch whisky, originating from the Isle of Islay. Ardbeg is one of the eight distilleries on the island, and one of the few that make the delicious, super-peaty whiskies I do so enjoy.

Do you know why Islays usually come the green bottles? So one can’t see the color of the whisky inside and make their purchasing decision of the perceived taste that they’d assume comes with a light or dark color of the whisky. Like you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, you shouldn’t judge a whisky by it’s color. I bring this up because the Ardbeg 10 is super light in color…

So with that, my first impressions: I was a little surprised at the light color of the whisky; it’s the color of light hay – blonde almost – like a white wine with a touch of amber. On the nose front not much unexpected: peat, iodine, salt, a little like sterile bandages. A little sweet at times, like carmel, but every-so slightly spicy.

In the glass it rolls around like pneumatic tool oil all warmed up, coating the edge of the glass just enough.

The taste? Intense smoke. Wood. Peat. Salt. The usual Islay hallmarks. I was feeling a bit under the weather in my initial tasting and my taste may have been off a bit, but I ended up thinking that this was really nothing special in comparison to the other strong Islays I’ve tasted (Lagavulin, Laphroaig). A bit forgettable honestly. The finish is nice and long, warm, and peaty. I’m sure if I had been in better health I would’ve enjoyed this more and probably better picked up on the nuances in the taste.

I had had a few fingers of Ardbeg at my wedding rehearsal dinner, though I’m sure it wasn’t the 10, likely the Uigeadail. I remember enjoying that glass more than I did from the few tastings of the 10.

In the end, the Ardbeg 10 is good, but not quite great. I wouldn’t skip it if you’ve got a chance to have a swig, but is it “The Ultimate Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky”? Not quite.

(Previoiusly, The Dalmore 12)