Description
The Ardbeg TRAIGH BHAN 19 Years Old Batch No. 4 is a limited-edition Islay single malt Scotch whisky from the historic Ardbeg Distillery. The whisky takes its name from the famous Traigh Bhan beach on Islay, whose name is pronounced roughly ‘Träi Wan’ and which is also known as ‘The Singing Sands’ by the locals due to the distinctive sound made by the sand. For the fourth batch, this intensely peaty single malt was matured for over 19 years in a combination of American oak casks and Oloroso sherry casks. The long maturation period thus combines the typical peaty, smoky Ardbeg style with the influence of two different cask types.
The exact batch code is TB/04-07.03.2003/22.CG, making this edition uniquely identifiable within the Traigh Bhan series. The Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch No. 4 has been bottled at 46.2% in a 0.7-litre bottle, complete with a gift box. The whisky is not chill-filtered, ensuring that its original character is preserved as fully as possible. With its 19-year maturation, the combination of American oak and Oloroso sherry casks, its pronounced smoky character and limited availability, this bottling is aimed particularly at connoisseurs of long-matured Islay whiskies and collectors of the individual Traigh Bhan batches.
Tasting NoteColour: Deep gold to amber.
Nose: Herbs, pine and fennel meet intense notes of lime and a medicinal, smoky character.
Palate: Intense wood smoke with dark chocolate and ground coffee, accompanied by lemon cream, peanut brittle, raisin toffee and hazelnuts.
Finish: Long-lasting and smoky with menthol, lemongrass and aniseed, as well as spicy notes of cloves and white pepper.
The Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Years Batch No. 4 is best enjoyed neat at room temperature in a nosing glass to fully appreciate the interplay of long-term cask maturation, smoke and sherry influence. A few drops of still water can bring out additional herbal, citrus and smoky nuances at 46.2% ABV. Culinary pairings include smoked salmon, strong mature cheeses, grilled or smoked meats, and dark chocolate. As a limited-batch release, this 19-year-old Ardbeg is also particularly well-suited to discerning Islay tastings and collections.
