Well, there’s not much to say about the Ardbeg 10 yr 2016 Release that I haven’t already said about the 2000, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 or 2010 SiB so I’ll let Ardbeg do some talking instead.
In Ardbeg’s Words: Ardbeg 10 yr 2016 Release
“Aroma: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere – peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice.
Taste: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavor explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils.”
Wow, that is a complex laundry list of aromas and flavors, nothing else to do but dig in to the Ardbeg 10 yr 2016 Release review and see how our notes compare.
Ardbeg 10 yr 2016 Release Info
Region: Islay, Scotland
Distiller: Ardbeg
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: 10 years
ABV: 46%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Batch: 2016
Price: $50
Ardbeg 10 yr 2016 Release Review
EYE
Gold
NOSE
Sugar cookies, citrus peel, peat, burned plastic and honey nut cheerios with bit of buttery caramel and vanilla frosting. Interesting and aromatic, but doesn’t quite hit the spot; the peat seems to be a bit low.
PALATE
Big punchy peat followed by layers of orchard fruit, hay, vanilla beans, honey and touches of citric acid and plastic. A better, more dynamic delivery than in 2015, but missing the elegance of some previous years.
FINISH
Long peaty fade of buttery caramel, dried fruit and burnt notes.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, full body and a soft round feel.
OVERALL
Ardbeg 10 yr 2016 Release is a decent malt and as Ardbeg always does it brings a lot to the table. It’s enjoyable, but like the 2015 it’s not as crisp as previous batches have been and the aroma is a bit low on the peat compared to other Ardbegs. Though unlike the 2015, what it’s lacking on aroma it’s more than made up for on the palate. The flavor comes barreling through with a hearty phenolic punch to the tongue followed by some unique sweet notes that are showing up in newer batches of Ardbeg.
It’s interesting to try the 2015, 2015 and L10 all next to each other and compare them to the Ardbeg April notes from 2014 and see the evolution of the Ardbeg 10. It’s a fascinating peek into what this brand is doing and the style they’re working towards and the style and plates they’re adjusting this to meet.
SCORE: 86/100 (B)
*Disclosure: This Ardbeg 10 yr 2016 Release was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
