Ardbeg Distillery is one of the more famous Islay distillers known for their strong peat smoke and yet somehow extremely well-balanced malts. Their core range consists of Ardbeg 10, An Oa, Uigeadail, Corryvreckan, Supernova and now, the newest addition, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan (pronounced “Tri-Van”). This 19-year-old small batch whisky is matured in a combination of American oak and Oloroso Sherry casks. Aging this expression for 19 years has only slightly mellowed the peat and certainly created a wonderfully complex and balanced malt.
Traigh Bhan, also known as ‘Singing Sands’ beach is located not far from Ardbeg Distillery on the Isle of Islay. Its soft white sands have been said to sing under one’s feet and is only interrupted by several dark volcanic rocks dramatically jutting towards the sky. It is this contrast, and yet perfect balance, that attracts many to this place and inspired this expression by the distillers at Ardbeg.
Bottled at 46.2% ABV during a storm (says so on the box!), Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19-year-old has all the characters of their 10-year-old at its core but even more refined. Also found in this cornucopia of a dram is the familiar sweet fruitiness of Ardbeg Drum and the spirited spiciness of Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Most whiskies will have their strengths and weaknesses. However, I have yet to find any negative traits with Traigh Bhan.
Nose: Smoky charred pineapple, Chocolate banana, sandalwood smoke and chili peppers.
Palate: Creamy velvet, tropical fruit, tobacco and cedar smoke, aromatic spices.
Finish: More cream, fruit and chili chocolate heat. Sweet charcoal with hints of burnt, abused motor oil…. but in a good way!
Rating: 9.7/10
Ardbeg 19 Traigh Bhan
Pros
- Smooth and refined
- Extremely well balanced
Excited to learn of a new Ardbeg release. Like Leon…I love Corryvrecken. Something that might be helpful is a hint at what the price point is on the whisky you are reviewing. If the Traigh Bhan is 130.00 or so I wold hunt for it…..200.00 maybe not. Just a suggestion but keep the reviews coming. Gary from Courtenay
Hey Gary! Thanks for the feedback! The Ardbeg 19 Traigh Bhan is a pretty hard one to find and also a little on the pricey side. It retailed for $383 after tax. There are plenty of great Ardbeg expressions…including my fav as well…Corryvreckan…that are much more affordable but I truly believe that this one is worth every penny for an Ardbeg fan…if you can find it! Up to now I have been hesitant to talk too much about about prices here in BC because we have followers from all over the world but I will try and post an average retail on the whiskies i feature from now on… BC pricing is so bad it should give everyone a worst case scenario price…which is still valuable info…again…thanks so much for the feedback and for your support. Don’t forget to checkout and subscribe to our Youtube Channel Whisky Taste Buds!
sounds superb!
It’s certainly is! And a privilege to have a chance to taste it!