This week, I’m excited to share a fantastic distillery whose whisky I not only love to drink but also enjoy collecting: Ardbeg. As the person responsible for overseeing the alcohol selection at the kiddush in my synagogue, I often introduce various bottles, but when I bring out this particular one, I know that only half of it will be consumed. That’s because it’s a peaty (or smoky) Scotch, and smoky Scotch is definitely an acquired taste. I never fault anyone for not enjoying it right away—it can sometimes taste like, well, smoke! However, once you develop a taste for it, you’ll begin to appreciate the complex and nuanced flavors that emerge. And with this bottle, the Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5-Year-Old, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was, especially considering its affordable price.
Ardbeg’s Wee Beastie is a vibrant single malt, aged in a combination of ex-bourbon casks, bottled at a youthful five years. The peaty notes are front and center, with oak playing a secondary role due to the shorter maturation period. But don’t mistake its young age for a lack of complexity—this whisky offers a robust and satisfying flavor profile that will likely appeal to Ardbeg fans like me.
First released in 2020, the Wee Beastie is non-chill filtered, and the bottle does not specify the color. To learn about the cask makeup, I had to visit the distillery’s website. In recent years, many distilleries have moved away from age statements due to increasing demand and limited supply in the whisky market. Instead, they’ve focused on specific flavor profiles, with varying success. That’s what makes Ardbeg’s decision to release a new core offering with an age statement so noteworthy. And even more surprising is the young age of the Wee Beastie. Typically, most single malts carry an age of 10 years or more, but going as low as five years—just two years beyond the legal minimum for whisky in the U.K.—was a bold choice for such a renowned distillery. The name Wee Beastie reflects the whisky’s youthful, raw character, making it a daring move by Ardbeg to cater to the adventurous drinker.
The history of Ardbeg dates back to the early 1800s, when Duncan Macdougall, a farmer, began distilling on the estate. By 1815, his son John was distilling alcohol from leftover grain, and their success led to an official distilling license, establishing Ardbeg Distillery. In 1838, the distillery was acquired by a Glasgow merchant who added it to their blending operations, with the Macdougall family continuing to oversee daily operations. In 1853, it was passed on to John’s daughters, Margaret and Flora, who became the first female distillers in Scotch history.
Ardbeg continued to thrive until the 1970s, when a downturn in the whisky market led to its sale to Hiram Walker (owner of Canadian Club whisky, and no relation to Johnnie Walker) in 1977. After ceasing production in 1981, the distillery was revived in 1989 under Allied Lyons, primarily supplying Islay whisky for blenders. In 1997, Glenmorangie purchased Ardbeg, embracing the single malt market and launching the hugely successful Ardbeg 10 Year Old in 2000. In 2004, LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton acquired both Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, and they remain under LVMH’s ownership today.
With Ardbeg’s rich and storied history, I highly recommend trying the Wee Beastie. It’s an affordable Scotch that offers a chance to explore a new flavor profile. After a few tries, I’m confident you’ll find that distinctive taste you’ve been searching for. From there, Ardbeg offers a wide range of exceptional whiskies, so be warned—you may soon find yourself down the deliciously captivating rabbit hole of Ardbeg Scotch, just as I have!
Nose: Bold and punchy from the start, with intense peat and wood smoke. Notes of black pepper, sea breeze and sour lemon follow, with a lingering black pepper hint. The peat softens with time, though whether it’s losing potency or I’m simply becoming accustomed is unclear.
Palate: A pleasant balance of sweetness and saltiness. Bright citrus oils, orchard fruits and dark berry tartness are complemented by damp peat and dry wood smoke. Depth comes from pepper steak, honey and subtle touches of clove and liquorice. Juicy peaches and salted caramel linger in the background.
Finish: Each tasting leaves me more impressed with the finish. Sea air, smoke, black pepper and meaty notes stand out. The mouth-drying finish leaves a lasting aftertaste of tar and coastal ash.
Final Thoughts: In conclusion, the Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5-Year-Old is a standout whisky that delivers bold, smoky flavors and surprising complexity for its age and price. While its youthful rawness may not suit everyone, those who enjoy peaty Scotch will find it captivating and full of character. It’s a great introduction to the world of Ardbeg and a must-try for any whisky lover.
Both Judaism and smoky Scotch whisky are defined by remarkable complexity and depth. In Judaism, the Torah, Talmud and other sacred texts invite intellectual and spiritual exploration, with scholars and practitioners engaging in nuanced interpretation and deep reflection to uncover layered meanings. This multidimensional approach to faith encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices, providing a rich tapestry of insights. Similarly, smoky Scotch is celebrated for its intricate flavor profile, where the earthy peat combines with notes of vanilla, oak and sea salt to offer a layered, evolving tasting experience. Enthusiasts of both Judaism and smoky Scotch relish in the subtle nuances that unfold over time, revealing greater depth the more one engages with them.
You can learn more by visiting my website, where one of the classes I teach is titled “Don’t Fear the Peat.” www.TasteScotch.Com
Distiller: Ardbeg
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Region: Islay
Age: 5 Years Old
Cask Type: Bourbon Casks
Abv: 47.4%
Volume: 750ml
Price: $50
