If the standard Ardbeg is a stormy day at sea, An Oa is the calm after the storm. It’s named after the rounded peninsula on Islay’s southern coast that acts as a natural windbreak for the distillery, and the liquid inside the bottle reflects that sense of sanctuary. This is arguably the most approachable whisky in the Ardbeg Ultimate range. To create it, Dr. Bill Lumsden uses a "Gathering Vat" made of French oak to marry together whiskies from three very different cask types: sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry, spicy virgin charred oak, and intense ex-bourbon. The result is a wonderfully silky and creamy texture. You still get that hallmark Ardbeg peat and soot, but it’s wrapped in layers of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, and a curious, savoury hint of grilled artichoke. It doesn’t shout as loud as the 10-year-old, but it has a complexity and "roundness" that makes it incredibly easy to sit with. It’s the perfect choice for those who want the smoky soul of Islay served with a bit more finesse. [#intro]A singularly rounded Islay malt, where characteristic Ardbeg smoke meets velvety butterscotch and sweet spice...[/intro]