In our recent video exploring the “Ardbeg Cult,” Mark from Brisbane Whisky Scene and I delved into several whiskies that show just how versatile this legendary Islay distillery can be. While Blaaack and Spectacular flaunted Ardbeg’s flair for experimentation, An Oa stood out as the perfect counterpoint — a whisky that proves Ardbeg doesn’t always have to shout to be heard.
A Modern Classic
Launched in 2017, Ardbeg An Oa takes its name from the Oa Peninsula — the rugged headland that shelters the distillery from Islay’s wild Atlantic weather. It was also the first permanent addition to the Ardbeg core range in nearly a decade.
Created by Dr Bill Lumsden, An Oa was designed to showcase a softer, rounder side of Ardbeg. Instead of leaning solely on brute smoky power, it’s a carefully composed blend of whiskies matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, virgin charred oak, and ex-bourbon barrels, all married together in a large oak “gathering vat.”
The result is a dram that honours the distillery’s peated heritage while introducing a warmth and sweetness that make it remarkably approachable.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: In the glass, An Oa gleams pale amber, with flashes of gold that catch the light beautifully. It’s not as dark as its sherry-rich cousins, but there’s a glow that suggests both complexity and balance. You can tell it’s uncoloured — natural whisky in its truest form, the way Ardbeg intends.
Nose: An Oa immediately reveals that trademark Ardbeg smoke, but in this expression, it’s more of a comforting campfire than a raging inferno. Behind the smoke lies a medley of toffee, vanilla, and light citrus, interwoven with hints of dark chocolate, treacle, and spiced oak. It’s wonderfully balanced — the kind of nose that invites you in rather than challenges you. There’s still that unmistakable Islay brine, but it feels rounded, refined, and harmonious.
Palate: Where many Ardbegs burst onto the palate with roaring peat, An Oa glides in with sweetness and texture. Honey, burnt sugar, and subtle fruit notes mingle with the familiar smoke. The sherry cask influence adds richness, while the virgin oak brings a pleasant char and spice. There’s an underlying buttery mouthfeel, lighter than the Committee releases but still satisfyingly full. As Mark put it, it’s “smooth and well-rounded” — exactly what the whisky’s concept set out to achieve. For those new to peated whisky, this could be the perfect gateway dram. For long-time fans, it’s a reminder that Ardbeg’s strength lies not just in intensity, but in its ability to create balance.
Finish: This whisky lingers gracefully, unfolding in waves of warm smoke, caramel, and gentle spice. The peat drifts on long after the sweetness fades, leaving that classic Ardbeg signature — dry ash, sea spray, and a whisper of dark chocolate. It’s neither too short nor overpowering; instead, it ends with poise, like the final chord of a perfectly played tune.
The Verdict
Ardbeg An Oa may not be the loudest whisky in the distillery’s lineup, but it might be the most versatile. It captures everything that makes Ardbeg special — the peat, the maritime character, the craftsmanship — and wraps it all in a more accessible, cohesive package.
It’s also a whisky that rewards contemplation. After trying the experimental exuberance of Blaaack and Spectacular, An Oa feels like coming home — familiar, comforting, and quietly confident in its flavour.
Final Thoughts
If the Ardbeg Cult has its high priests and wild prophets, An Oa is the calm voice of reason. It’s proof that balance can be just as captivating as chaos, and that even on windswept Islay, softness has its place.
Whether you’re new to Ardbeg or a long-time Committee member, An Oa deserves a spot on your shelf — a gentle giant that still carries the unmistakable soul of the distillery.