Ardbeg Wee Beastie Whiskey 750ml
Ardbeg Distillery has operated on the southern coast of Islay since commercial production began in 1815 under John MacDougall, though distilling on the site likely dates back to 1794. Now owned by LVMH, the distillery is regarded as one of the most cult-followed names in Scotch, known for pairing intense peat smoke with an underlying sweetness that fans have nicknamed the "peaty paradox." Wee Beastie joined the core lineup as the youngest permanent expression Ardbeg has released.
Bottled at just five years old, Wee Beastie was built to be the rawest and smokiest whisky in the range, with less time in wood allowing the peat to dominate. The spirit is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, then bottled non-chill filtered at 47.4% ABV to preserve its natural texture and color.
On the nose, look for cracked black pepper, pine resin, and a sharp tang of smoke. The palate turns dense and smoldering, with chocolate, tar, and creosote giving way to eucalyptus, anise, and savory grilled meat. The finish is long, salty, and coating, closing on notes of cocoa and dying embers, a fittingly feral introduction to Ardbeg's house style.