Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Ardbeg Distillery, founded in 1815 on Islay’s southern coast, is famed for producing intensely peated whiskies. Reopened in 1997 and now owned by LVMH, it retains traditional copper-pot distillation and celebrates bold smoke and maritime influence  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Master Distiller Colin Gordon emphasizes Ardbeg’s signature phenolic intensity, natural cask character, non-chill filtration, and authenticity. Wee Beastie is positioned as the “rawest, smokiest Ardbeg ever,” showcasing dynamic youth  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Distilled from 100% peated malted barley (Port Ellen maltings), with soft, peat-filtered water from Loch Uigeadail and fermentation via house yeast in Oregon pine washbacks  .

Distillation Process

Double-distilled through traditional copper pot stills (one wash and one spirit), with a slow run to preserve peat oils and aromatic intensity ().

Maturation & Cask Information

Aged for 5 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, then non-chill filtered at 47.4% ABV. This short aging accentuates raw peat with balanced cask influence  .

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Bright herbal smoke, tar, seaweed, honeyed vanilla, pear, leather, and pine resin

• Palate: Intense peat, Turkish coffee, smoked salt, milk chocolate, peppery spice, eucalyptus, smoked bacon, and savory meat notes

• Finish: Long, smoky, saline, with lingering cocoa, fudge, menthol, and bbq-ash notes  .

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs brilliantly with smoked meats, grilled shellfish, spicy charcuterie, oysters, and dark chocolate desserts—complementing its smoky, sweet, and savory layers ().

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a splash of spring water at 18–20 °C in a Glencairn or tulip glass. Let it rest for 10 minutes to develop complexity ().

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. Once opened, the whisky retains its vibrant character for years, though further bottle aging will not significantly evolve its profile.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch—100 % heavily peated malted barley (~50 ppm phenols)  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

47.4 % ABV, non-chill filtered  .

Scores

• 94 – Whisky Advocate 

• 91 – Wine Enthusiast