Salty lime with a wisp of sweet smoke forms the heart of an expressive nose. The first impression in the mouth is that it’s very dry. Subsequent sips reveal lime, eucalyptus and wet wood. The finish leans into white pepper, lime zest and tannins. The lime forms an enjoyable backbone to this whisky but it lacks complexity and is flirting with an oaky influence that was on the edge of my tolerance. Worth a try but I wouldn’t buy a bottle on the strength of my tasting.
About this bottle
Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van) is Ardbeg's annual series which draws its inspiration from Islay’s Traigh Bhan beach, known as “the Singing Sands." In addition to American oak barrels, there was an even greater proportion of oloroso sherry casks used in its maturation than previous batches. Each batch has its own unique code, batch symbol and signature from a famous member of the team. Like the previous batch, this one features Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distiller Manager. It is bottled at 46.2% ABV without chill-filtration. Availability in the US begins September 18, 2023.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
Nose is drier than batch 4, with sand and brine and smoke from a small campfire. Palate is nicely warming and smooth, with vanilla butter biscuit, green apples, hay, and a nice hint of peat leading to a slightly woody, dry, and clean finish. More obviously an Ardbeg, but also quite refined and approachable. My favorite of the series so far.
Smoky, sweet, tropical, and gentle. Nose: Raisins, Mangoes, Dark Chocolate, Honey, Smoke, Plums, Chili Peppers, Pineapples, Figs Palate: Bacon, Toffee, Raisins, Vanilla, Chili Peppers, Blood Oranges, Honey, Seaweed, Strawberries Finish: Mangoes, Raisins, Coal, Dark Chocolate, Mackerels, Tobacco, Leather
Very nice but is it better than Hypernova? Different- not better though. More whisky-like. Bitter? Has a deeper taste. Prefer the lighter Hypernova
1Ardbeg 19 .46.2ABV. American oak. Batch 5 soft mouth mango tropical taste. long retro taste. Nice peat pepper mouth!
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.