Introduced to me by Tim, Ardbeg 10 was my first peated whisky, and unlike most people I've spoken to, I wasn't put off by Ardbeg's heavily peated style. The Ardbeg 10's peat came in manageable waves and, within it, I found a huge amount of complexity and character which really kicked off my love of whisky. This is the Whisky that made me go "oh, I can see why people get into this". Admittedly, we were on holiday in Cornwall at the time and tasting a lot of whiskies we'd brought with us. This could have contributed to it, but I've tried it many times since and have never been disappointed.

Ardbeg 10 has long been our bench mark whisky for peated whiskies and, as it stands, that's unlikely to change. All three of us will tell you how good it is and how for the price it's a whisky that punches well above its weight. We consider it the bar that peated whiskies are competing against and sets a high bar for its price. It's a very affordable whisky that I plan on having on my shelf regularly.

So how do I find it. With a clear pallet it starts off quite medicinal with a wave of peat which quickly gives way to a malty sweetness. You can open it up with a few drops of water or drink it neat, it certainly has the depth of character to allow you to open it up if you want to go fishing for flavours, or just have it as it is for a comforting warm dram. Part way through the dram the medicinal flavours move back and sweetness comes forward, giving you something reminiscent of one of those old chewy liquorish sweets you could buy in old fashioned sweet shops. This carries on into the after taste which lingers for quite a while and changes to have a slight saltiness.

The Ardbeg 10 has a lot more to offer than other peated whiskies of a similar price bracket, such as the Laphroaig 10 . Which makes more sense at this point, having learnt more about whiskies. The Ardbeg 10 has a higher ABV than the standard Laphroag 10 and, as such, has a much deeper flavour profile. The Ardbeg is one you can play with and find more in each time you have it. I've tried it many times along side other whiskies and different flavours can be found all the time.

Even as a heavily peated whisky the Ardbeg 10 is one I'd recommend to anyone. It's peaty but manageable. It's medicinal but has a depth of sweetness to back it up. It's complex so you never get bored of it. It has a lot to offer for it's price. If you wanted to try a smoky whisky this would be the one I'd recommend you try, if you're buying a whisky with your own money.