Ardbeg Wee Beastie Single Islay Malt Whisky 47,4%

A small, untamed beast with sharp teeth, far younger and far wilder than its bigger siblings on the shelf.

Expert Review

Ardbeg Wee Beastie is an Islay Single Malt Whisky matured for 5 years in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 47.4%.

With its young age, Wee Beastie is completely untamed in its smoky character, without the rounding-off that extra years of maturation would otherwise bring. That makes it the most uncompromising and direct introduction to Ardbeg's style, carrying a ppm content of 50-55.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh and herbal with vanilla, pears, freshly ground black pepper and honey-glazed ham, plus a hint of resin.

Palate

Full and explosive with plenty of chocolate, tar and smoked bacon, followed by eucalyptus and aniseed.

Finish

Long and salted, with notes of cocoa, cream caramel and salted meat.

Specifications

Name: Ardbeg Wee Beastie
Distillery: Ardbeg
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Whisky
Age: 5 years
ABV: 47.4%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks
EAN no.: 5010494961577

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Spiced · Salty · Young and wild

Did You Know?

Wee Beastie is the youngest permanent release in Ardbeg's range, often used by the distillery to show just how raw and direct the style is before the casks smooth off the edges.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ardbeg Wee Beastie

Why is it called Wee Beastie?

The name refers to its young age and untamed character, a small beast compared to the distillery's more mature releases.

How smoky is Ardbeg Wee Beastie?

With a ppm content of 50-55 and only 5 years of maturation, it's among the most direct and uncompromising releases in Ardbeg's permanent range.

Is Ardbeg Wee Beastie worth it?

As a young, powerful introduction to Ardbeg's style, it delivers an intensity that matches far older and pricier releases.

Is Wee Beastie suitable for a beginner?

It's more uncompromising than many other entry-level single malts, so it suits someone already curious about smoky whisky rather than an absolute beginner.

Should Wee Beastie be drunk with water?

A drop of water can soften the young power slightly and draw the vanilla notes further forward if you'd like.

Which glass suits it best?

A tulip-shaped whisky glass holds onto the intense smoke and spice notes so they don't disappear too quickly.

What defines Ardbeg as a distillery?

Ardbeg on Islay's south coast is known as one of the island's most uncompromising distilleries, and Wee Beastie is the clearest proof of that style in its youngest form.