i'm always happy when ralfy CLEARLY recommends certain whiskies (like ardbeg 10, balblair) and shits on others (dalmore etc) it helps me thin out the herd to deal with my whisky-money
Thome90 I made the mistake of buying a bottle of Dalmore 15 in my early days of whisky and each time I drink it to try to finish it off I just cringe. Horrible stuff that’s all marketing and no substance.
Great to hear Ralfy endorsing a quite affordable whiskey . A lot of the interesting whiskey reviewed is over my budget or unavailable here in NZ so nice to hear a great review of an affordable widely distributed one. Thanks Ralfy
I wouldn’t let just one person’s preferences change your whisky selections. Instead I would look at a collection of reviews to weed out the bad ones. You would never touch Talisker 10 if you only listened to Ralfy, and I’d say that’s a pretty large mistake for a peathead like myself. Use the Distiller app and look at the flavor profile to match with your prefences and then look at the user ratings and balance them with the expert rating. That’s what I’ve done and it has kept me from wasting money.
Perfectly agreed Thome90 !! I made a big mistake once when I bought a one liter bottle of Dalmore 12 year old for US$ 62.00 which I found attractive, at least compared to the prices here in Brazil. What a bad choice !! Horrible to smell and worse to drink. A sour smell of cheap "Piquette" wine, decades-old milk chocolate and a hint of not-so-fresh onion. Taste ? Something unpleasant, reminiscent of a Port wine that has passed stale and oxidized. DALMORE? NEVER MORE !!
My favourite right now. I think, price/value next to Arbeg 10 comes: Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair, Bruichladdich: Port Charlotte, Ledaig 10, Bruichladdich Classic Laddie.
Just uncorked a bottle of 10 yr Ardbeg minutes ago and now enjoying in a very nice flute whisky glass I was given from the upscale restaurant/bar I work at (the glass that is). This review prompted me to step back in time to revisit THIS GEM of an Islay single malt...... I am experiencing the big campfire/bonfire smoke blast this expression offers with an unmistakable sweetness in the background on my palate as I type this...... SLAINTE TO ALL OF YOU AND GOD BLESS!!!!!
TOTAL malt moment going on here as I gradually chew thru this Ardbeg 10 year. I am now so very reminded as to why I like to keep a bottle of this in my single malt bar archives.......
Two years ago I was curious about peated whisky. Looked around the supermarket and saw the Ardbeg 10. Without any knowledge, I took the plunge into my FIRST peated whisky. The rest is history. Love it forever. Although I have the Ugi and An Oa in my stash, too, I prefer the "no-nonsense" character of the A10 over those. (I'm calling it A10 on purpose, comparing it to the tough, non-nonsense capability of the A-10 "Warthog" aircraft). Have tried other brands of peated whisky, too, but ... nahhh ... A10 is, as put on the label, the ULTIMATE. Happy dram-ing!
I just tried wee bestie cause people err telling me it tasted like a campfire , I got a pelican with aids from shores of Scotland sh**ting into your glass of whisky while ur having bonfire at beach , it tasted super ocean like to me and not nearly as smoky as I thought it was going to be. Did I get a weird batch or is weebeastie just bad? I was looking for somthing that tastes like a campfire
This was my first peated whisky and I immediately fell in love. It's like a sea side camping trip in a bottle. It's also the first whisky I've tried where I didn't have to nose it for 5 or 10 to smell something other then alcohol.
I left an empty glass that had contained Ardbeg overnight without washing it. In the morning the nose was very simple: it was as if I'd had a bonfire in the glass! Seriously though, it's wonderful stuff :-)
On my first bottle of Ardbeg 10 after coming from a couple of bottles of Laphroaig 10 and I have to say, as much as I liked the Laphroaig, this is just on another level for me. The peat and freshness is just fantastic. I love it.
Davefew79 once you have tried Ardbeg 10, I doubt you will ever look back at Laphroig. I love the stuff, but something has changed and not for the better. Ardbeg though ❤️❤️❤️❤️
You never forget the experience of your first Ardbeg. It kicks you in your face with a hobnailed boot and nurses you tenderly through the shock. You can still get hints of that finish the day after.
@@502Aviation Can't say as I'd agree there, my experience with Laphroaig is that it's flat and band, like someone took peated scotch and watered it down.
Ardbeg 10 is my rock. When I need to recalibrate my senses and get back to real Islay whisky Ardbeg 10 is what I use. I frequently go through duty free shops and pick up various "speciality" bottlings but they often don't live up to their billings. Re the color, several years ago I bought an Arbeg 10 on entering Canada and it just seemed so pale, I wondered if I'd got a counterfeit. One taste put my fears to rest, can't duplicate that taste. Wonderful stuff. Love Ralfy's reviews, no punches pulled. Cheers!
I have never loved a whisky this much. I bought a bottle this afternoon. After trying it and forming my own opinion I watch this video. Everything you said is spot on.
Thank you Ralfy, I complete agree with your opinion of Ardbeg 10 years old & Uigeadail. As a malt enthusiast of peated whisky for over 25 years I cannot find any better. I really enjoyed this review. I do think you are a very generous soul to share this wonderful gift you have of dissecting the many scotch whisky being produce today. Bravo Malty savior and provider of knowledge.
Hi Ralfy, greetings from Sydney Australia, love your reviews mate. Just cracked open a bottle of Ardbeg 10 YO and all I can say is liquid gold!!! Just magic, your reviews are spot on.
Ralfy - I'm glad to hear you've never been caught dead poncing about with a glass held by its base in the way you demonstrated! Restores my faith in unaffected, down-to-earth whisky enjoyment. I'll raise a wee glass of Ardbeg Ten to that. Cheers!
Ardbed 10 years-old ? Best and essential in my life. The whisky that I'll take to a desert island, and not just a single bottle... No other comments needed. A drop or a boost of Ardbeg 10 years-old can be added to any mediocre whiskey and it will work wonders, turning a bad one into a pretty good dram and a good one into an exceptional whiskey. Thanks again Master Ralfy
When we visited Islay and stayed in the cottage within Ardbeg distillery they gifted us a bottle of this Ardbeg 10. I had had Ardbeg before but never the 10. This whisky will always hold a place in my heart now and transports me back to that cottage on the Irish sea. Another awesome review Ralfy :)
I'm probably only 15-20 videos through your backlog, Ralfy, but this review is my favourite so far; the words perfectly match the character of this excellent 10 YO (and it's pretty funny review to boot).
Just tried a dram of Redbreast 12 with a few drops of Ardbeg 10, Ralfy you are spot on. The qualities of the Redbreast are amplified and complimented, it becomes much more toasty and rounded.
The idea of artificial coloring is so ridiculous. Like Ralfy, I have never heard anyone anywhere remark that they wish their whisky was darker. Just give it to us the way it comes out.
A while back I had a bottle of Talisker 10. The colour looked as if it was at least forty years old. Who are the producers trying to fool? To be honest I love Campbeltown whiskies, and in the cases of Longrow and Springbank, I love the slightly darker colour of the Springbank - one can actually see the extra half-step through the stills in the colour. As Ralfy said - honesty!
"A whisky you'd finish the night with, before you go to bed for deep and restful slumbers" How appropriate! I'm watching this video, sipping a dram of this very whisky, before going to bed :) I discovered Ardbeg 10yo thanks to this channel. I like peaty whiskies, and at first I was a bit surprised by the phenolic and fresh, peppery notes of Ardbeg, especially compared to e.g., Lagavulin. But now I am really enjoying the complexity. Thanks for sharing your passion Ralfy :)
Love the 10YO (fantastic value too) and Uigeadail. I've probably drank 20 bottles of those two. But recently I drank a bottle of the Corryvreckan for the first time and it was awfully good too, perhaps my favorite. But it's like choosing a favorite child, I just can't do it!
Uh oh... like you, I love the 10YO and Uigeadail but have been trying to resist the Corryvreckan temptation. Your comment is not helping my fiscal resolve. LOL.
@@faust451 Try a bottle! Life is short. It's about 57% ABV so, like the Uigeadail, you can rationalize that it's really not as expansive as it seems. Let me know how you like it. Cheers!
Thank you Ralfy. I get the oddest looks when I tell people I add Redbreast 12yr cask strength to my Ardbeg 10yr. Heck, I believe RB12CS can be added to almost any single malt.
Hello Ralfy! Don't know if you'll see it but thank you so much, I wanted to try peated whisky but was not sure if I'd like it. I based my choice on this review and Ardbeg 10 is truly the best alcohol I've ever had, so much flavour and so gentle on the palate, quality and integrity in every sip, so good!
Ardbeg 10 is one of the unsung heroes of the malt world - just a rock solid, dependable, unpretentious great quality whisky that never lets you down. I love this whisky so much.
Twas also one of the first peat bomb malt purchases too. Bowmore was my absolute FIRST peated malt to have ever tried---a no age statement/no distillery statement single malt by McCllelland's in it's Islay expression. I have since gravitated towards having Laphroaig around for my peat bomb go to-------but now I need to get another Ardbeg 10 year. It is such a distinctively fine smoky single malt scotch whisky-----One of the first HEAVY PEAT malts to really chew on and one I gotta return to soon.... SLAINTE! :)
@@jesseregenauer630 A very good whiskey. Though I like it as a lightly peated scotch, which I find is not as heavily peated, or has a "smoky peat" as much as some others. I really enjoy peated Islay whiskey, as well as non peated from other regions of Scotland, but never considered this one a "peat monster", but rather almost perfect in the amount of influence that the peat comes through in this Ardbeg 10. I too need to restock the stash.
@@markmcpherson7934 The Octomores are truly peat monsters, but, as we all know, we all have differing tastes and different taste buds. This Ardbeg 10 is for me, perfect.Perfect in the sense that the peat is not oily, or like heavy chimney soot. Peaty, yes, but not objectionable, or too heavy.. I have several older bottles(purchased 15 years ago) of Laphroaig 10 and these are peat monsters to me. Today's Laphroaig 10 pales in expression to those bottled 15 years ago. But this Ardbeg just seems balanced, perfect, or nearly perfect in peatyness.Love it. Lagavulin 16 is peaty, but it's expression is so different from the octo's, Laphroaig 10, or Ardbeg, and I really like the Lag 16 .
An exciting review! I love this dram and actually after adding a little bit more water the scotch mist really formed. I am amazed by the vegetally scented smoke in the aftertaste, which always reminds me of freshly picked bamboo leaves!
My all time favorite whisky! I love this stuff, its taste reminds me of smoked BBQ brisket, which is my favorite food! It was my first step into Islay peated scotches, and it's absolutely delightful!
Ardbeg is in fact non-chill filtered, if I’m not mistaken. I do get a lil’ scotch mist when I add water. Edit: I noticed you nuanced your vision at the end.
I ran out to my local liquor purveyor and acquired a bottle of this lovely liquid based on your review. If angels sweat, this is the result. Thank you for the brilliant recommendation.
I'm very new to whisky. Started out with offerings from Nikka and Suntory last year, and managed to have them last until recently. I'd been curious about peated whisky for a while and bought a bottle of Ardbeg 10 today as an early birthday present to myself. I love it. Much gentler in the mouth than the nose lets on, but not lacking in flavor at all, and the peat aftertaste lingers for so long. Gonna be coming back to this for a long time.
Ardbeg 10 is the only "standard" bottling I still buy in supermarkets. £37 on offer is hard to sniff at when it comes to a consistent integrity malt such as this.
The Ardbeg 10 is one of my Top 10 "go to" whiskies which in my opinion has one of the highest quality/price ratios as I can get it here in California for about $46-%40 USD. I've got one of those warehouses on my whisky cabinet, it reminds me of when I visited the distillery in June 2018.
Ardberg 10, worth living is impossible without it, and without Arberg 10 your life delights have only fade colours. The best Islay affordable spirit. That is the opinion of a common old Brazilian Single Malt fanatic. Thanks to Sir Ralfy for making life so precious and exclusive. Best from Rio !
Bought my first Ardbeg 10 in 2003 shortly after the distillery re-opened. It was £18 for a bottle in my local Tesco. My current bottle tastes exactly the same as I remember it did back then.
Also water, give it a decent splash, which it takes wonderfully and it mists up alright. Way more consistent than a neighbouring 10 which has lost its mojo, in my opinion, to the point that it's off my shopping list. That's a source of great sorrow for me as I grew up sipping that neighbouring 10, they should take a leaf out of Ardbeg's consistency book.
At the beginning of my scotch journey, I tried Islay and could do it. Today a year later, Ardbeg is home to me. Perfection takes time, don’t give up on exploring the regions.
To me there’s little better than Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 on a cool, crisp fall evening next to a birchwood fire pit. Thanks Ralfy for keeping this bottle on everyone’s radar.
Its mainly the medium-long chain ethyl esters (ethanol+fatty acids) that are in the spirit from distillation that cause spirits to go cloudy when they come out of suspension due to cooling or reduction in the water:ethanol ratio below 46% abv (the point of maximum viscous synergy). These are the bad boys that give a whisky it's oily feel and carry flavour...and removed by chill filtration. It's why white (unaged) spirits high in ethyl esters also go cloudy, and they've not seen casks.
Would have thought this was into the 90s, maybe I'm young and have a hell of a lot more whisky to drink but this is by far my all time favourite whisky
Ardbeg 10: 10 years age statement, non chill-filtered, not colored, 46% ABV, very complex taste, very strong character... Simply put, it is made for the serious, knowledgeable scotch drinkers! AMAZING!
I'm a fledgling whiskey lover, who has recently matured into appreciating Islay single malts and has Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Ardbeg Uigaedail in the collection. I simply love their complexity and the magic that happens once you pour some in your glass... aah the changes in smell and taste. You can spend so much quality time with them. I must confess that I am sort of hypnotized and come back from work everyday as if they are calling me :D
That's exactly the way I was after my first experiences, I was trying to get done with work as fast as I could to get home and drink some. I swear I was going through the day able to smell the smoke and peat while I was working. Not sure if some remnants of the smoke hangs on the nose hairs or something?
Ralfy is the Jedi Knight of Scotch whisky! Dare I contradict him but all of the info I've researched on this particular Ardbeg , and all Ardbegs, is that they are all non chill filtered and natural color... Having said that I still prefer the Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10. Non chill filtered, natural color and 50 % ABV. The higher ABV delivers more depth of smell and taste! In my opinion!
@ralfy , I have to say as a person who works in hospitality it is very useful to hold from the base sometimes and is a remnant of trying to hold as many glasses as you can. Well at least for me! I sadly will keep holding it this way😝 thanks for your class, slainté!
As long as they stay away from the completely obnoxious chill-filtering thing on the cask strength bottlings, they are miles and miles ahead of the standard ones. Really wish all of Islay would stop beating-round-the-bush so damn much, and provide some more nice, raw, mainstay bottlings.
Ralfy, Thanks alot for your awesome down to earth real malty malt reviews! I am fairly new to the scotch world, but really enjoy Laphroaig 10 CS, and Compass Box No Name, and after watching this review, I cant wait to get a bottle of Ardbeg 10. Thanks being such a great dude! Review 775...holy malt mate!
If you "really enjoy" the Laphroaig 10 CS you need to go straight to the Ardbeg Corryvrecken. I've done both these Scotches side by side and the Corryvrecken is the only Ardbeg that can hold its own with such high ABV (57.1% Corryvrecken). Love them both... drink the Laphroaig CS last as it is a pallet wrecker! Cheers!
I like the colour of the one I cracked open it’s a yellowish green colour love the authenticity! This is the my first Ardbeg and I just love the complexity, I get a real off mossy stinky river smell with compost on the nose but behind there is fresh grass and barbecues. As for the taste well very complex I can’t even begin, whatever I’m tasty it sure is good.
Needed a new Islay as the cold New England nights settle in. Just finished a Laphroaig quarter cask and 10 year old from last fall and the bitter end of an ardbeg 10. Using your reviews as my compass chose Ardbeg 10 over the others. Do feel the Laphroaig's are still top notch but have wavered recently. This new bottle is fantastic and consistency as you say is definitely paramount for malt mates spending dollars.
I love love love Lagavulin. It’s my favorite peated scotch, but it’s expensive so I rarely get any. When I need a good taste of Isla peated scotches at a more affordable price, I will either go for a bottle of Laphroig or Ardbeg. They’re both so good but in my opinion, Ardbeg comes out on top between the two.
Excellent and timely re-review of a classic whisky and former Ralfy Whisky Of The Year if my memory serves me well. Ardbeg have been pissing about quite a bit the last few years but the 10 remains a solid and delicious dram. I like the gooseberry and mezcal notes. Enjoyed the cockerel in the background which reminds me of my pad in Andalucia. Recently bought the Benromach 9 year U.K exclusive single barrel and that is a scotch mist monster, so much so that it makes me wonder about the whole issue of filtering. Cheers Ralfy (thanks for the pin). WT
Just picked up an Arbeg 10 and on the drive home though perhaps I should have gone with a Laphroaig 10 year. This review has been very reassuring. I'm looking forward to sipping this tonight. Cheers!
Only recently have I started to take drinking whiskey more seriously and I am thoroughly enjoying learning with you. This is the first time I've tasted ardbeg and as soon as you said banana I was like yes that's exactly what I couldn't put my finger on. I'll be watching the ledaig 10 next as I have an unopened bottle of that one too. Thanks ralfy for your videos. Long may they continue. Happy New Year
Ralfy: I tasted Arbeg 10 on a trip to NYC, I loved it but Laphoaig 10 is more inexpensive in my corner of the Ozarks. I will look for Arbeg 10 soon and see how it lines up price wise.
@@thewhiskybothy ahaha I am just having a dram of Jura 12 ans was looking for and at your solera video. I am thinking about starting it myself, could use the jura for it because the bottle is freshly opened but I am already bored with it... I am just regretting now I didn't keep Scapa Skiren and some Glenlivet 12 to make this solera bottle... Wanted to tell you, as a wine lover and a relatively new member of the whisky world, my nose and palate are pretty demanding and most standard whisky are from the start extremely boring to me. I mean, I often read "this whisky is good for beginners / I would advice that for beginners..." I was ofetn wondering : what am I beginning anyway ? I just want to "begin" whisky, I just want to drink whisky from time to time... anyway, "beginners" doest mean much in my humble opinion. I don't think my taste is the same as the next door beginner for example. Just food for thoughts for a next vid maybe. Cheers Ralfy!!
The answer is most probably customer segmentation. From the business point of view, Glenmorangie has a different segment of customers. There are more whisky amateurs and occasional fine whisky drinkers and they would not be that happy about a "dull coloured and hazy" glass of whisky. On the other hand, customers buying something like Ardbeg Ten are more likely experienced whisky enthusiasts well aware of what they are looking for and what they are going to get. So such a decision may be not good for whisky experts but would look wise from a business owners perspective. I hope this makes some sense.
Hello Ralfy!...another great vid review of my all time favorite whisky. Interesting comments on the possible filtering despite the claim on the label. Thank you!
I enjoy adding a drop to a very generous amount of water to ardbeg depending on my mood. The water seems to reduce the ABV but not the flavor. (Too much water in a bourbon can very easily ruin them for me.) Also blending a small amount ardbeg with other scotch has work out well. I'm out of Irish whiskey at the moment, but I'm looking forward to trying rally's recommendation.
Thanks for the advice on the Redbreast. I have a bottle of the Redbreast 15 that I enjoy, but feels somewhat restrained. Tried adding different amounts of water and letting it open up, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I will add some Ardbeg 10, and see what happens. Cheers.
Review 3 years ago, well someone gave me a bottle of Ardbeg ❤ 10 this Xmas past, think it must have been the same age as your review as when I went to open it last night, the cork disintegrated 😮 but whisky was par excellence
I heard Dr Bill Lumsden say he uses his casks at Glenmorangie for a maximum of 2 times and then sends them to Ardbeg for 3rd and sometimes 4th time use.
Oddly enough, this was the first single malt that I ever bought. As a bourbon drinker, didn't know much about scotch wiskys and just bought one that was a little higher ABV and I'd heard the term "Islay", lol. Whooowheee. I'll admit it took me a couple tries to get used to the heavy peat/smoke, but I like it. I need to try some less peaty whiskys now.
My review of Ardbeg 10 Nose: Heavy minty peat smoke in sea mist & tanned leather, hints of Scotch heather settling into a light chocolate-vanilla syrup & Irish moss on cast-iron-reduced tree fruit Palate: Smoked dark fruits & charred berries with a citrus squeeze, fresh baseball glove leather, ancient wood, cacao nibs giving way to ginger snaps Aftertaste: Oak, clove & spices, black pepper, natural rope, aged leather with cigar tobacco
Just got my first bottle. Reminds me a bit of my favourite dessert, lemon cheesecake. Very delicious and complex. Still not overpriced, at least where I am. Could easily buy this again.
Gosh, you really sounded serious with the Ardbeg. I'm right there with you. Any Scotch or Irish whisky would benefit from a splash of Ardbeg or Laphroiag! Here's a recommendation for a new review. John Barr! You're welcome.
I had to watch this again ralfy. I've had my Laphroaig and my Lagavulin and have been considering a Bunnahabhain but I think I need another Ardbeg 10 again. Mmmm, smoked fish, honey, banana, almond.....
Ive never had Ardbeg, or any Islay for that matter, I am a new enthusiast to whiskey/whisky. I have been drinking a bottle of Connemara peated Irish and really enjoy it. I get the impression that Ardbeg has some similarities to Connemara? I'm sure the peat is stronger in flavour in Ardbeg but are the other tastes and feels similar? I'm sure I will be buying a bottle! Love your channel Ralfy......I've hit subscribe!
Ralfy is proof that even after 775 drinks you still live
you mean, 775 bottles.
i'm always happy when ralfy CLEARLY recommends certain whiskies (like ardbeg 10, balblair) and shits on others (dalmore etc) it helps me thin out the herd to deal with my whisky-money
Thome90 I made the mistake of buying a bottle of Dalmore 15 in my early days of whisky and each time I drink it to try to finish it off I just cringe. Horrible stuff that’s all marketing and no substance.
Great to hear Ralfy endorsing a quite affordable whiskey . A lot of the interesting whiskey reviewed is over my budget or unavailable here in NZ so nice to hear a great review of an affordable widely distributed one. Thanks Ralfy
Where you from John W? I'm currently enjoying an Ardbeg just outside Christchurch.
I wouldn’t let just one person’s preferences change your whisky selections. Instead I would look at a collection of reviews to weed out the bad ones. You would never touch Talisker 10 if you only listened to Ralfy, and I’d say that’s a pretty large mistake for a peathead like myself. Use the Distiller app and look at the flavor profile to match with your prefences and then look at the user ratings and balance them with the expert rating. That’s what I’ve done and it has kept me from wasting money.
Perfectly agreed Thome90 !! I made a big mistake once when I bought a one liter bottle of Dalmore 12 year old for US$ 62.00 which I found attractive, at least compared to the prices here in Brazil. What a bad choice !! Horrible to smell and worse to drink. A sour smell of cheap "Piquette" wine, decades-old milk chocolate and a hint of not-so-fresh onion. Taste ? Something unpleasant, reminiscent of a Port wine that has passed stale and oxidized. DALMORE? NEVER MORE !!
Honestly think Ardbeg 10 is the best value whisky I’ve ever bought. Incredibly interesting to drink yet affordable!
So true. Price/quality wise the best one imo..
Agreed. 👍
My favourite right now. I think, price/value next to Arbeg 10 comes: Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair, Bruichladdich: Port Charlotte, Ledaig 10, Bruichladdich Classic Laddie.
I think Laphroaig is in the same class. Quality malt, good value
It's not particularly cheap here it's 55€, Ledaig, Laphroaig and Caol Ila are 38€ and lagavulin 16 around 65€ in some places.
Just uncorked a bottle of 10 yr Ardbeg minutes ago and now enjoying in a very nice flute whisky glass I was given from the upscale restaurant/bar I work at (the glass that is). This review prompted me to step back in time to revisit THIS GEM of an Islay single malt...... I am experiencing the big campfire/bonfire smoke blast this expression offers with an unmistakable sweetness in the background on my palate as I type this...... SLAINTE TO ALL OF YOU AND GOD BLESS!!!!!
TOTAL malt moment going on here as I gradually chew thru this Ardbeg 10 year. I am now so very reminded as to why I like to keep a bottle of this in my single malt bar archives.......
Two years ago I was curious about peated whisky. Looked around the supermarket and saw the Ardbeg 10. Without any knowledge, I took the plunge into my FIRST peated whisky. The rest is history. Love it forever. Although I have the Ugi and An Oa in my stash, too, I prefer the "no-nonsense" character of the A10 over those. (I'm calling it A10 on purpose, comparing it to the tough, non-nonsense capability of the A-10 "Warthog" aircraft). Have tried other brands of peated whisky, too, but ... nahhh ... A10 is, as put on the label, the ULTIMATE. Happy dram-ing!
I just tried wee bestie cause people err telling me it tasted like a campfire , I got a pelican with aids from shores of Scotland sh**ting into your glass of whisky while ur having bonfire at beach , it tasted super ocean like to me and not nearly as smoky as I thought it was going to be. Did I get a weird batch or is weebeastie just bad? I was looking for somthing that tastes like a campfire
@@Normaldude444 do yourself a favour. Get the 10
Ardbeg 10 was the very first scotch I ever bought for myself at age of 23 and I've been an Ardbeg and peat fanatic ever since....Truly magical
28 now
Happy 30th!
I was delighted to receive a bottle of this for my 62nd birthday today, so cheers Ralfy and crew, I love this whisky!
This was my first peated whisky and I immediately fell in love. It's like a sea side camping trip in a bottle. It's also the first whisky I've tried where I didn't have to nose it for 5 or 10 to smell something other then alcohol.
I left an empty glass that had contained Ardbeg overnight without washing it. In the morning the nose was very simple: it was as if I'd had a bonfire in the glass! Seriously though, it's wonderful stuff :-)
On my first bottle of Ardbeg 10 after coming from a couple of bottles of Laphroaig 10 and I have to say, as much as I liked the Laphroaig, this is just on another level for me. The peat and freshness is just fantastic. I love it.
I love Laphroaig 10, and I'm dying to try Ardbeg, but it's never on offer, and I can't justify spending £49 on a bottle of whisky.
Davefew79 once you have tried Ardbeg 10, I doubt you will ever look back at Laphroig. I love the stuff, but something has changed and not for the better. Ardbeg though ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Just got my first bottle of Ardbeg 10 after enjoying Laphroaig like you - looking forward to it even more now!
You never forget the experience of your first Ardbeg. It kicks you in your face with a hobnailed boot and nurses you tenderly through the shock. You can still get hints of that finish the day after.
And then you try Laphroaig 10, which turns it up to 11. Ardbeg 10 is good (drinking it right now), but Laphroaig is even more in your face.
@@502Aviation I'd contest that, Laphroaig may be more mainstream but it pales next to Ardbeg on the peat front.
@@502Aviation A Laphroaig 10 drunk 'off the shelf' in the '70s makes their present offering seem as a Speyside LOL!
@@502Aviation Can't say as I'd agree there, my experience with Laphroaig is that it's flat and band, like someone took peated scotch and watered it down.
Ardbeg 10 is my rock. When I need to recalibrate my senses and get back to real Islay whisky Ardbeg 10 is what I use. I frequently go through duty free shops and pick up various "speciality" bottlings but they often don't live up to their billings. Re the color, several years ago I bought an Arbeg 10 on entering Canada and it just seemed so pale, I wondered if I'd got a counterfeit. One taste put my fears to rest, can't duplicate that taste. Wonderful stuff. Love Ralfy's reviews, no punches pulled. Cheers!
I have never loved a whisky this much. I bought a bottle this afternoon. After trying it and forming my own opinion I watch this video. Everything you said is spot on.
Thank you Ralfy, I complete agree with your opinion of Ardbeg 10 years old & Uigeadail. As a malt enthusiast of peated whisky for over 25 years I cannot find any better. I really enjoyed this review. I do think you are a very generous soul to share this wonderful gift you have of dissecting the many scotch whisky being produce today. Bravo Malty savior and provider of knowledge.
Hi Ralfy, greetings from Sydney Australia, love your reviews mate. Just cracked open a bottle of Ardbeg 10 YO and all I can say is liquid gold!!! Just magic, your reviews are spot on.
Ralfy - I'm glad to hear you've never been caught dead poncing about with a glass held by its base in the way you demonstrated! Restores my faith in unaffected, down-to-earth whisky enjoyment. I'll raise a wee glass of Ardbeg Ten to that. Cheers!
It’s great cheeky dig at Robert Paterson 😂
Ardbed 10 years-old ? Best and essential in my life. The whisky that I'll take to a desert island, and not just a single bottle... No other comments needed. A drop or a boost of Ardbeg 10 years-old can be added to any mediocre whiskey and it will work wonders, turning a bad one into a pretty good dram and a good one into an exceptional whiskey. Thanks again Master Ralfy
When we visited Islay and stayed in the cottage within Ardbeg distillery they gifted us a bottle of this Ardbeg 10. I had had Ardbeg before but never the 10. This whisky will always hold a place in my heart now and transports me back to that cottage on the Irish sea. Another awesome review Ralfy :)
I'm probably only 15-20 videos through your backlog, Ralfy, but this review is my favourite so far; the words perfectly match the character of this excellent 10 YO (and it's pretty funny review to boot).
Just tried a dram of Redbreast 12 with a few drops of Ardbeg 10, Ralfy you are spot on. The qualities of the Redbreast are amplified and complimented, it becomes much more toasty and rounded.
The idea of artificial coloring is so ridiculous. Like Ralfy, I have never heard anyone anywhere remark that they wish their whisky was darker. Just give it to us the way it comes out.
A while back I had a bottle of Talisker 10. The colour looked as if it was at least forty years old. Who are the producers trying to fool? To be honest I love Campbeltown whiskies, and in the cases of Longrow and Springbank, I love the slightly darker colour of the Springbank - one can actually see the extra half-step through the stills in the colour. As Ralfy said - honesty!
I always find your reviews relaxing...😃👍
Me 2, i play them before bed when i can't sleep sometimes. So relaxing!!
his lips smacc
his hands protecc
but most importantly........
when he takes a sip, his eyes reacc
Thank you for liking Uigeadail. It's one of my favorites.
This is one of my favorites and always enjoy a wee dram on a cold damp evening. Cheers Mates!
"A whisky you'd finish the night with, before you go to bed for deep and restful slumbers"
How appropriate! I'm watching this video, sipping a dram of this very whisky, before going to bed :)
I discovered Ardbeg 10yo thanks to this channel. I like peaty whiskies, and at first I was a bit surprised by the phenolic and fresh, peppery notes of Ardbeg, especially compared to e.g., Lagavulin. But now I am really enjoying the complexity.
Thanks for sharing your passion Ralfy :)
Love the 10YO (fantastic value too) and Uigeadail. I've probably drank 20 bottles of those two. But recently I drank a bottle of the Corryvreckan for the first time and it was awfully good too, perhaps my favorite. But it's like choosing a favorite child, I just can't do it!
Uh oh... like you, I love the 10YO and Uigeadail but have been trying to resist the Corryvreckan temptation. Your comment is not helping my fiscal resolve. LOL.
@@faust451 Try a bottle! Life is short. It's about 57% ABV so, like the Uigeadail, you can rationalize that it's really not as expansive as it seems. Let me know how you like it. Cheers!
Thank you Ralfy. I get the oddest looks when I tell people I add Redbreast 12yr cask strength to my Ardbeg 10yr. Heck, I believe RB12CS can be added to almost any single malt.
Hello Ralfy! Don't know if you'll see it but thank you so much, I wanted to try peated whisky but was not sure if I'd like it. I based my choice on this review and Ardbeg 10 is truly the best alcohol I've ever had, so much flavour and so gentle on the palate, quality and integrity in every sip, so good!
I get twitchy if I don't have a couple of bottles of Ardbeg 10 on standby.
Ardbeg 10 is nonchillfiltered, it says so on the lable. So this would definitely classify as an integrity malt mark. I love Ardbeg 10!
Ardbeg 10, needs to be in my cabinet all the time....
We completely agree :)
Ardbeg 10 is one of the unsung heroes of the malt world - just a rock solid, dependable, unpretentious great quality whisky that never lets you down. I love this whisky so much.
"unsung heroes" lol
This is the scotch that got me into peat. I always have a bottle in my collection.
I've had to stop keeping a bottle of it in my collection, my collection; a diminishing fluid asset, AB 10 diminishes faster than the rest though 😊
Twas also one of the first peat bomb malt purchases too. Bowmore was my absolute FIRST peated malt to have ever tried---a no age statement/no distillery statement single malt by McCllelland's in it's Islay expression. I have since gravitated towards having Laphroaig around for my peat bomb go to-------but now I need to get another Ardbeg 10 year. It is such a distinctively fine smoky single malt scotch whisky-----One of the first HEAVY PEAT malts to really chew on and one I gotta return to soon.... SLAINTE! :)
@@jesseregenauer630
A very good whiskey. Though I like it as a lightly peated scotch, which I find is not as heavily peated, or has a "smoky peat" as much as some others. I really enjoy peated Islay whiskey, as well as non peated from other regions of Scotland, but never considered this one a "peat monster", but rather almost perfect in the amount of influence that the peat comes through in this Ardbeg 10. I too need to restock the stash.
@@tommyg5095 If Ardbeg 10 isn't a "peat monster", then what is? Are you referring to the octomores etc?
@@markmcpherson7934
The Octomores are truly peat monsters, but, as we all know, we all have differing tastes and different taste buds. This Ardbeg 10 is for me, perfect.Perfect in the sense that the peat is not oily, or like heavy chimney soot. Peaty, yes, but not objectionable, or too heavy.. I have several older bottles(purchased 15 years ago) of Laphroaig 10 and these are peat monsters to me. Today's Laphroaig 10 pales in expression to those bottled 15 years ago. But this Ardbeg just seems balanced, perfect, or nearly perfect in peatyness.Love it. Lagavulin 16 is peaty, but it's expression is so different from the octo's, Laphroaig 10, or Ardbeg, and I really like the Lag 16 .
An exciting review! I love this dram and actually after adding a little bit more water the scotch mist really formed. I am amazed by the vegetally scented smoke in the aftertaste, which always reminds me of freshly picked bamboo leaves!
My all time favorite whisky! I love this stuff, its taste reminds me of smoked BBQ brisket, which is my favorite food! It was my first step into Islay peated scotches, and it's absolutely delightful!
Ardbeg is in fact non-chill filtered, if I’m not mistaken. I do get a lil’ scotch mist when I add water.
Edit: I noticed you nuanced your vision at the end.
I ran out to my local liquor purveyor and acquired a bottle of this lovely liquid based on your review. If angels sweat, this is the result.
Thank you for the brilliant recommendation.
I'm very new to whisky. Started out with offerings from Nikka and Suntory last year, and managed to have them last until recently. I'd been curious about peated whisky for a while and bought a bottle of Ardbeg 10 today as an early birthday present to myself. I love it. Much gentler in the mouth than the nose lets on, but not lacking in flavor at all, and the peat aftertaste lingers for so long. Gonna be coming back to this for a long time.
Never tasted a single malt whiskey. Thx to Ralphy I just ordered my first bottle of Ardberg.
😁 hard one to start mate ! Heavy peat whisky 🥃... hope you enjoy ! Cheers
After al speyside, highland and lowland whisky’s this was my first islay, absolute fell in love.
Ardbeg 10 is the only "standard" bottling I still buy in supermarkets. £37 on offer is hard to sniff at when it comes to a consistent integrity malt such as this.
have you tried the uigeadail? if not definitely do so. It is my favorite islay to date! still gotta try the laphroaig lore though! :)
The Ardbeg 10 is one of my Top 10 "go to" whiskies which in my opinion has one of the highest quality/price ratios as I can get it here in California for about $46-%40 USD. I've got one of those warehouses on my whisky cabinet, it reminds me of when I visited the distillery in June 2018.
Where in CA can you get that price? In my SoCal BevMo it's a little over 60
Ardberg 10, worth living is impossible without it, and without Arberg 10 your life delights have only fade colours. The best Islay affordable spirit. That is the opinion of a common old Brazilian Single Malt fanatic. Thanks to Sir Ralfy for making life so precious and exclusive. Best from Rio !
Bought my first Ardbeg 10 in 2003 shortly after the distillery re-opened. It was £18 for a bottle in my local Tesco. My current bottle tastes exactly the same as I remember it did back then.
Adding Ardbeg to Irish whiskey - gem of an idea. Thank you Ralphy!
Also water, give it a decent splash, which it takes wonderfully and it mists up alright. Way more consistent than a neighbouring 10 which has lost its mojo, in my opinion, to the point that it's off my shopping list. That's a source of great sorrow for me as I grew up sipping that neighbouring 10, they should take a leaf out of Ardbeg's consistency book.
. . . agreed !
At the beginning of my scotch journey, I tried Islay and could do it. Today a year later, Ardbeg is home to me. Perfection takes time, don’t give up on exploring the regions.
To me there’s little better than Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 on a cool, crisp fall evening next to a birchwood fire pit. Thanks Ralfy for keeping this bottle on everyone’s radar.
Its mainly the medium-long chain ethyl esters (ethanol+fatty acids) that are in the spirit from distillation that cause spirits to go cloudy when they come out of suspension due to cooling or reduction in the water:ethanol ratio below 46% abv (the point of maximum viscous synergy). These are the bad boys that give a whisky it's oily feel and carry flavour...and removed by chill filtration. It's why white (unaged) spirits high in ethyl esters also go cloudy, and they've not seen casks.
I've read that both distillate and casks can contribute to the scotch mist. I also had definitely ncf whiskies not getting cloudy at all with water.
I take note to add a drop of this to a Teeling Brabazon Irish whiskey. Thank you so much for the passion you share with us!
Would have thought this was into the 90s, maybe I'm young and have a hell of a lot more whisky to drink but this is by far my all time favourite whisky
Ardbeg 10: 10 years age statement, non chill-filtered, not colored, 46% ABV, very complex taste, very strong character... Simply put, it is made for the serious, knowledgeable scotch drinkers! AMAZING!
Also importantly: not overpriced! 😎
@@alexk3088 Yh i forgot to put that in. Very important as well.
I'm a fledgling whiskey lover, who has recently matured into appreciating Islay single malts and has Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Ardbeg Uigaedail in the collection. I simply love their complexity and the magic that happens once you pour some in your glass... aah the changes in smell and taste. You can spend so much quality time with them. I must confess that I am sort of hypnotized and come back from work everyday as if they are calling me :D
That's exactly the way I was after my first experiences, I was trying to get done with work as fast as I could to get home and drink some. I swear I was going through the day able to smell the smoke and peat while I was working. Not sure if some remnants of the smoke hangs on the nose hairs or something?
Ralfy is the Jedi Knight of Scotch whisky!
Dare I contradict him but all of the info I've researched on this particular Ardbeg , and all Ardbegs, is that they are all non chill filtered and natural color...
Having said that I still prefer the Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10.
Non chill filtered, natural color and 50 % ABV. The higher ABV delivers more depth of smell and taste!
In my opinion!
Ardbeg 10 is the reason I got into Whisky. It will always be THE go-to whisky and definitely the best for the price range.
@ralfy , I have to say as a person who works in hospitality it is very useful to hold from the base sometimes and is a remnant of trying to hold as many glasses as you can. Well at least for me! I sadly will keep holding it this way😝 thanks for your class, slainté!
I absolutely agree. This whisky is wonderfully complex and delicious.
Can you review or re-review the Laphroaig 10 cask strength?
He did already. Score is 91
@@vladimirkhorev8761 Ralfy has reviewed Ardbeg 10 quite a few times now
Just go for it!!! It's crazy good!!!
Yah. I think I saw that one 10 years ago. He’s reviewed Ardbeg 10 several times since then. Time for an update I’d say.
As long as they stay away from the completely obnoxious chill-filtering thing on the cask strength bottlings, they are miles and miles ahead of the standard ones.
Really wish all of Islay would stop beating-round-the-bush so damn much, and provide some more nice, raw, mainstay bottlings.
You are totally right about the colouring. No need for any makeup when you have a natural beauty.
Ralfy, Thanks alot for your awesome down to earth real malty malt reviews! I am fairly new to the scotch world, but really enjoy Laphroaig 10 CS, and Compass Box No Name, and after watching this review, I cant wait to get a bottle of Ardbeg 10. Thanks being such a great dude! Review 775...holy malt mate!
If you "really enjoy" the Laphroaig 10 CS you need to go straight to the Ardbeg Corryvrecken. I've done both these Scotches side by side and the Corryvrecken is the only Ardbeg that can hold its own with such high ABV (57.1% Corryvrecken). Love them both... drink the Laphroaig CS last as it is a pallet wrecker! Cheers!
Ralfy, I just purchased Ardbeg 10 year old for $49.98 at my local liquor store! Great stuff.
Ardbeg 10yo is my favourite malt. Such a good malt at a reasonable price, 46% ABV, unchillfiltered & natural colour.
I like the colour of the one I cracked open it’s a yellowish green colour love the authenticity!
This is the my first Ardbeg and I just love the complexity, I get a real off mossy stinky river smell with compost on the nose but behind there is fresh grass and barbecues.
As for the taste well very complex I can’t even begin, whatever I’m tasty it sure is good.
I´ve tried a lot of brands. Ardbeg 10 yo is the one I can always trust.
Ralfy i love ya, but...89 is a bit stingy for this classic scotch. Just my own subjective personal opinion. 🙂
Needed a new Islay as the cold New England nights settle in. Just finished a Laphroaig quarter cask and 10 year old from last fall and the bitter end of an ardbeg 10. Using your reviews as my compass chose Ardbeg 10 over the others. Do feel the Laphroaig's are still top notch but have wavered recently. This new bottle is fantastic and consistency as you say is definitely paramount for malt mates spending dollars.
I love love love Lagavulin.
It’s my favorite peated scotch, but it’s expensive so I rarely get any. When I need a good taste of Isla peated scotches at a more affordable price, I will either go for a bottle of Laphroig or Ardbeg.
They’re both so good but in my opinion, Ardbeg comes out on top between the two.
Good I love my Lagavulin 8 so I'm going to buy the ardberg 10 as well as lag 8
Excellent and timely re-review of a classic whisky and former Ralfy Whisky Of The Year if my memory serves me well. Ardbeg have been pissing about quite a bit the last few years but the 10 remains a solid and delicious dram. I like the gooseberry and mezcal notes. Enjoyed the cockerel in the background which reminds me of my pad in Andalucia. Recently bought the Benromach 9 year U.K exclusive single barrel and that is a scotch mist monster, so much so that it makes me wonder about the whole issue of filtering. Cheers Ralfy (thanks for the pin). WT
Happy Malty Monday Dear Sir! This is the husband’s favorite. He concurs with the 89 mark! 😉. See you for the extras!
I love the re-reviews! And especially of the Ardbeg 10!! This is my absolute favorite whisky under $70! It is shockingly good!
Just picked up an Arbeg 10 and on the drive home though perhaps I should have gone with a Laphroaig 10 year. This review has been very reassuring. I'm looking forward to sipping this tonight. Cheers!
Only recently have I started to take drinking whiskey more seriously and I am thoroughly enjoying learning with you. This is the first time I've tasted ardbeg and as soon as you said banana I was like yes that's exactly what I couldn't put my finger on. I'll be watching the ledaig 10 next as I have an unopened bottle of that one too.
Thanks ralfy for your videos. Long may they continue. Happy New Year
Ralfy: I tasted Arbeg 10 on a trip to NYC, I loved it but Laphoaig 10 is more inexpensive in my corner of the Ozarks. I will look for Arbeg 10 soon and see how it lines up price wise.
you should check out Scotch & Soda in Springfield mate
Why can LVMH present the Ardbeg 10 decently (at 46%, natural colour and non chill-filtered) and not the Glenmorangie 10?! 🤔
why diageo cannot present a single whisky decently???
. . . good point !
@@thewhiskybothy ahaha I am just having a dram of Jura 12 ans was looking for and at your solera video. I am thinking about starting it myself, could use the jura for it because the bottle is freshly opened but I am already bored with it... I am just regretting now I didn't keep Scapa Skiren and some Glenlivet 12 to make this solera bottle...
Wanted to tell you, as a wine lover and a relatively new member of the whisky world, my nose and palate are pretty demanding and most standard whisky are from the start extremely boring to me. I mean, I often read "this whisky is good for beginners / I would advice that for beginners..." I was ofetn wondering : what am I beginning anyway ? I just want to "begin" whisky, I just want to drink whisky from time to time... anyway, "beginners" doest mean much in my humble opinion. I don't think my taste is the same as the next door beginner for example. Just food for thoughts for a next vid maybe. Cheers Ralfy!!
The answer is most probably customer segmentation. From the business point of view, Glenmorangie has a different segment of customers. There are more whisky amateurs and occasional fine whisky drinkers and they would not be that happy about a "dull coloured and hazy" glass of whisky. On the other hand, customers buying something like Ardbeg Ten are more likely experienced whisky enthusiasts well aware of what they are looking for and what they are going to get. So such a decision may be not good for whisky experts but would look wise from a business owners perspective. I hope this makes some sense.
Actually I reckon Glenmorangie Original has a fairly natural colour to it. Quinta Ruban has an "integrity" presentation, very tasty it is too.
Hello Ralfy!...another great vid review of my all time favorite whisky. Interesting comments on the possible filtering despite the claim on the label. Thank you!
Ralfy I love your rooster in the background…😂
I enjoy adding a drop to a very generous amount of water to ardbeg depending on my mood. The water seems to reduce the ABV but not the flavor. (Too much water in a bourbon can very easily ruin them for me.) Also blending a small amount ardbeg with other scotch has work out well. I'm out of Irish whiskey at the moment, but I'm looking forward to trying rally's recommendation.
Such a great re-visit! Always a fan Sir Ralfy!
Thank you for this integrity review Ralphy! I'm off ordering a bottle of this right now, it's been way too long..
Thanks for the advice on the Redbreast. I have a bottle of the Redbreast 15 that I enjoy, but feels somewhat restrained. Tried adding different amounts of water and letting it open up, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I will add some Ardbeg 10, and see what happens. Cheers.
Review 3 years ago, well someone gave me a bottle of Ardbeg ❤ 10 this Xmas past, think it must have been the same age as your review as when I went to open it last night, the cork disintegrated 😮 but whisky was par excellence
Great review Ralfy, and I can 100% confirm that Ardbeg 10yo is non-chill filtered.
88$ here in canada , but will give it a go after this compelling review
You can pick this up at Morrisons just now for £37...just picked one up yet to open it but looking forward to trying it.
I heard Dr Bill Lumsden say he uses his casks at Glenmorangie for a maximum of 2 times and then sends them to Ardbeg for 3rd and sometimes 4th time use.
This is my standard for comparing peated malts. Informative review as always 👍
Already love it just because of the package. It's something I wouldn't hesitate to use for storing stuff in a visible place
Oddly enough, this was the first single malt that I ever bought. As a bourbon drinker, didn't know much about scotch wiskys and just bought one that was a little higher ABV and I'd heard the term "Islay", lol. Whooowheee. I'll admit it took me a couple tries to get used to the heavy peat/smoke, but I like it. I need to try some less peaty whiskys now.
My review of Ardbeg 10
Nose:
Heavy minty peat smoke in sea mist & tanned leather, hints of Scotch heather settling into a light chocolate-vanilla syrup & Irish moss on cast-iron-reduced tree fruit
Palate:
Smoked dark fruits & charred berries with a citrus squeeze, fresh baseball glove leather, ancient wood, cacao nibs giving way to ginger snaps
Aftertaste:
Oak, clove & spices, black pepper, natural rope, aged leather with cigar tobacco
Just got my first bottle. Reminds me a bit of my favourite dessert, lemon cheesecake. Very delicious and complex. Still not overpriced, at least where I am. Could easily buy this again.
Gosh, you really sounded serious with the Ardbeg. I'm right there with you. Any Scotch or Irish whisky would benefit from a splash of Ardbeg or Laphroiag! Here's a recommendation for a new review. John Barr! You're welcome.
Just bought my first Ardbeg 10. Looking forward to opening it.
Wonderful review. I learn much from Ralfy and he makes his point without being snobbish or condescending.
I love this dram, it's very nice, I'll be bringing this to my friends to share this weekend
Bought my first bottle yesterday, great flavours, very complex dram
I'm In love with lagavulin 8 ,how does this compare ??
Ralfy, Ardbeg 10 is non chill filtered, says so on the front of the bottle :)
. . . It does, but you will notice the mist is 'thin' in this malt !
I had to watch this again ralfy. I've had my Laphroaig and my Lagavulin and have been considering a Bunnahabhain but I think I need another Ardbeg 10 again. Mmmm, smoked fish, honey, banana, almond.....
Ive never had Ardbeg, or any Islay for that matter, I am a new enthusiast to whiskey/whisky. I have been drinking a bottle of Connemara peated Irish and really enjoy it. I get the impression that Ardbeg has some similarities to Connemara? I'm sure the peat is stronger in flavour in Ardbeg but are the other tastes and feels similar? I'm sure I will be buying a bottle! Love your channel Ralfy......I've hit subscribe!
My only wish is a little bit of Oloroso Sherry influence... thanks Ralfy, keep it up!
. . . add some Uige to the 10 !