While the Ardbeg Wee Beastie is only five years young, it produces a dram that’s filled with untamed smokiness and assertive sharpness.
Just in time for the cosier season, Ardbeg has unveiled its latest smoky expression to join its core range – the Ardbeg Wee Beastie.
Despite it being only 5 years young, this scotch whisky managed to scoop the award for “Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Years Old” at this year’s International Whisky Competition (IWC).
According to IWC tasting panel, Sebastien Gavillet, he described the Wee Beastie as a “peat and smoke bomb” that’s “very intriguing and powerful. Experimental to say the least.”
Described as a “monster of a dram with a formidable bite”, the Ardbeg Wee Beastie has been matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, which gives the whisky its intense cracked pepper aroma, followed by sappy pine resin and sharp tangs of smoke. On the palate, it offers an explosion of dark and assertive chocolate, creosote, and tar. Smoky, savoury meats follow, leaving salty yet fragrant finish.
“I’m in no doubt that Ardbeggians will love this tongue-tingling expression,” said Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation. “The casks chosen for its creation make it ideal for enjoying neat or as the mouth-watering ingredient in a powerfully smoky cocktail.”
“A new permanent expression in the core range is always momentous for the Distillery, but Wee Beastie is a particularly special dram,” said Mickey Heads, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager. “As it’s a younger whisky, it means we’re able to get as close to the still as possible. So it’s safe to say this is a ferociously good wee nip!”
In celebration of the launch of the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, an experiential whisky flight tasting night – “A Monster of a Dram” will be held on 31 October, 2020, 5pm at 61Monarchy in Damansara Utama. A sampler set of 4 variants in addition to the latest release, the Wee Beastie will be offered with a pre-order price at RM75++.
The Ardbeg Wee Beastie is available for online pre-order at Whisky.my and thegoodstuff.my. There will also be a twin bottle package available exclusively via purchase in the e-retail stores. The package comes with a bottle of Ardbeg Wee Beastie and an Ardbeg 10 Year Old bottle which includes a special gift for every purchase made.
For more information, visit Ardbeg’s website.
Photos: Ardbeg