Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 07:05 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Uncover the comprehensive review of the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, where all your inquiries about this whisky will be addressed!
Written by: J Highland
Ardbeg Wee Beastie: A Smoky Powerhouse for Peat Lovers (Not for Beginners)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ardbeg Wee Beastie is a bold and smoky single malt that stands out for its intensity, particularly at its sub-$50 price point.
Strengths:
- Phenomenal Smoke: This expression boasts a powerful and unmistakable peaty flavor profile, a dream come true for lovers of smoky whiskies. It easily surpasses the smokiness of established expressions like Lagavulin 16.
- Value for Smoky Scotch: For those seeking a heavily peated dram at an affordable price, the Wee Beastie is a fantastic option.
Weaknesses:
- Overpowering for Newcomers: The intense smoke character can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with peaty whiskies. It’s not recommended for beginners.
Who Should Try It:
The Ardbeg Wee Beastie caters to seasoned whisky enthusiasts who enjoy a bold and smoky experience. If you’ve already explored heavily peated expressions like Port Charlotte, the Wee Beastie will be a welcome addition to your collection.
The Verdict:
The Wee Beastie is a fantastic choice for experienced palates seeking a powerful and smoky dram. However, its intensity might be off-putting for newcomers to peaty whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Best Ardbeg Whisky Selections
- Learn more: Ardbeg Wee Beastie Website
What’s unique about the Wee Beastie?
Aged for 5 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, this expression is bottled without chill-filtration at 47.4% ABV (93 proof).
However, what truly sets it apart is that it represents Ardbeg’s smokiest release to date!
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Smoke, ash, coal, caramel
- Palate: Smoke, tobacco, caramel, bacon
- Finish: Long, caramel, smoke
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.3% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Ardbeg 10
Upon nosing, the aroma evokes a beach bonfire, accompanied by a prominent bacon essence.
The texture is thick and indulgent, offering a satisfying mouthfeel.
This youthful and robust malt is immersed in peat, delivering a meaty character, complemented by a delightful surge of sweetness that entices the senses.
Notably, the palate also reveals delectable hints of chocolate.
The finish persists admirably, emanating a comforting warmth, featuring abundant BBQ smoke and a rejuvenating medicinal touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
Is it smoky?
On a rating scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, the Wee Beastie achieves a perfect score of 5, making it the smokiest expression in the Ardbeg lineup.
The barley used in its production is peated to around 50 phenol parts per million, a notably high level of peatiness.
How to drink it?
- Add a dash of water to open it up and navigate through the smoke.
Is it chill-filtered?
- No, it is a non-chill-filtered dram.
Does it use caramel coloring?
- No, it is free of artificial caramel coloring.
Age
- It has a 5-year age statement and is matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks.
Alternatives
- Talisker Storm and Lagavulin 8 are notable alternatives.
Price
Prices are approximate and stated in local currency:
- United States: $50
- Canada: $80
- Britain: £38
- Ireland: €75
- Australia: $95
Alcohol content
- It is 95 proof (47.4% ABV).
Is it vegan-friendly?
- Yes, it is vegan-certified.
Does it expire?
- Alcoholic beverages do not expire and can last for years if stored properly.
- However, it is recommended to drink it once the content is down to 25% to avoid any awkward notes.
How is it made?
- Peated barley is milled and mashed with water sourced from Loch Uigeadail before fermentation in Oregon pine washbacks.
- The fermentation process in wooden washbacks creates a lighter and richer whisky.
- Following fermentation, the mash is distilled twice through copper-pot stills.
- The spirit is aged in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks for 5 years.
- The result is bottled at 95 proof.
How did I review Ardbeg Wee Beastie?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Ardbeg Wee Beastie: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | 5Y |
| Proof | 95 |
| ABV | 47.4% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | Yes |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | Heavily |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |