Ardbeg 10: should I do it?

[Megawatt]

I have some birthday money with which I would like to buy an exceptional bottle of whisky. I finally got to try Ardbeg 10 last week and was very impressed, so I am tempted to blow my stash on a bottle.

Here is the thing: the price recently went from $77 to $99 per 750ml in Ontario, making it probably the most expensive 10-year-old around. Would I be insane to buy this?

I am also looking at The Glenlivet Nadurra ($81), and Longmorn 16 ($98). Really my budget should be around $80, but of course I can stretch it a little.

[smokinjoe]

Happy Birthday, Mega. Skip the Ardbeg, and spend your cash on a nice bottle of bourbon. Tons of great recommendations for you, up in the bourbon section. Heck, you'll be able to afford 2 or 3 superior bottles, for what you're willing to part with for the Ardbeg.

[Megawatt]

Happy Birthday, Mega. Skip the Ardbeg, and spend your cash on a nice bottle of bourbon. Tons of great recommendations for you, up in the bourbon section. Heck, you'll be able to afford 2 or 3 superior bottles, for what you're willing to part with for the Ardbeg.

Here are the bourbons available to me: Knob Creek, Woodford Reserve, Corner Creek (all $45), Bulleit ($35)...I think that's about it.

[smokinjoe]

Don't fear, you're still way ahead of the Ardbeg with those options, limited as they may be. You still can get 2 superior bottles from that group. If it were me, I'd go Woodford and Bulliet, and grab a couple of beers with the leftover change. However, I'm tempted to suggest Corner Creek, as I have a particular fondness for it's minty goodness. In the end, you won't go wrong by getting any two of them.

[Megawatt]

Don't fear, you're still way ahead of the Ardbeg with those options, limited as they may be. You still can get 2 superior bottles from that group. If it were me, I'd go Woodford and Bulliet, and grab a couple of beers with the leftover change. However, I'm tempted to suggest Corner Creek, as I have a particular fondness for it's minty goodness. In the end, you won't go wrong by getting any two of them.

Not an Islay fan, I take it? I like Knob Creek and Bulleit is not bad either, but they don't exactly qualify as special occasion sippers, if you know what I mean.

[cowdery]

If you are a fan of the Islay style, then nothing else will do, and I've been impressed with Ardbeg, as their attitude across the board seems to be "go big or go home."

[JamesW]

If you are a fan of the Islay style, then nothing else will do, and I've been impressed with Ardbeg, as their attitude across the board seems to be "go big or go home."

Here, here! Go with the Ardberg. It's about $55 here in MA and $42 in NH. I love it. Gives Lagavulin 16 a run for its' money peatwise with a bit more kick in the finish.

[Megawatt]

Here, here! Go with the Ardberg. It's about $55 here in MA and $42 in NH. I love it. Gives Lagavulin 16 a run for its' money peatwise with a bit more kick in the finish.

I guess the question is, if it cost $99 instead of $55, would you still go for it?

[drrich1965]

The best think about Ardbeg 10, and most Ardbegs, is the complexity of them, once you get used to the peat. There is a wonderful malty sweetness that balances out the tary/rope like peat. Chocolate notes at several points, its just a world class dram.

[JamesW]

I guess the question is, if it cost $99 instead of $55, would you still go for it?

Not here in the U.S. when I can get the Uigedail for about that price (which I have and love). But since you are in Canada, I don't know what your opportunity costs necessarily are. $99 may be a good deal up there.....or at least a reasonable one.... don't you hate socialized alcohol?