Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Scotch (Photo by the brand)

Beach in a Bottle

Ardbeg is no stranger to edgy Scotch whisky releases, as evidenced by its Anthology series, Ardcore, and Heavy Vapours, to name but a few. But they also produce some genuinely classic whiskies that define the Islay genre. One of them, Ardbeg Traig Bhan, falls squarely in the latter. I was privileged to receive a sample of Batch 5, the fifth annual release of the 19-year-old double-wood matured Scotch, and once again, they’ve created a masterpiece.

Ardbeg is considered by many to be the poster child for Islay whisky. Produced on the namesake island of Islay, Ardbeg has continuously produced whisky since 1798 (except for 1981-1989). A perennial award-winning distillery, Ardbeg’s flagship 10-year-old expression is among the most exemplified whiskies representing Islay-styled Scotch, along with Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 16, and Bowmore 12. Ardbeg is usually the most heavily peated Scotch in its class, although it tries to focus on producing Speyside-centric flavors such as spice, malt, toffee, and vanilla as it does in typical Islay components of sea and salt.

Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van), named for the famed “Singing Sands” beach in Scotland, has been one of the brand’s most highly regarded whiskies, and the first Aged-stated member of the core lineup aded in years. It’s been recognized as a perfect balance between sea and spice, its tropical fruit notes creating a counter for classic Ardbeg smoke. Aged initially in ex-fill bourbon barrels and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Traigh Bhan is a limited-production 19-year-old beauty that sells out every year, and this year’s release looks to carry that tradition forward.

Tasting Notes

Tasting was an absolute treat! Its pale straw color belies its age, especially its time in oloroso casks. Unmistakeably an Ardbeg whisky, the telltale campfire smoke wafts from the glass, followed by notes of tobacco shop, warm toffee, breakfast tea, sea spray, old, polished leather, and pine tar. Handwarming releases additional notes of fresh kelp and worn jute. Behind it all are hints of mildly sweet flower petals, quince, and savory spices. Its complexly layered aromas warrant hours of glass-sniffing, with or without the juice!

The mouthfeel is fat, medicinal, and slightly salty. The initial flavors are Islay-centric, with smoke, brine, and moist peat notes leading to toffee, dried tropical fruits, sherry-barrel spice, and a hint of citrus. Mid-swallow reveals a creamy and fat sweetness, like crème brûlée or warm egg custard, followed by vanilla chews, warm pecans, and anise seed. The swallow returns to the smoke crashing over all else, a resurgent saltiness, and finally, toasty oak. The afterglow is long and warm, with a hint of mint and roasted pineapple.

Final Thoughts

Ardbeg is one of my go-to whiskies when I want a smoky dram, and Traigh Bhan does not disappoint. But it’s even more, offering a profoundly complex combination of savory and sweet, salt and smoke, and my favorite Ardbeg to date (and my list of “favorited” Ardbegs is long). I’d be shocked if Ardbeg can top this expression, but I can’t wait to find out!!!