Ardbeg Blasda

Overall rating
81.04/100
votes
695
Whiskybase ID
WB3821
Category
Single Malt
Distillery
Bottler
Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie
Limited Edition
Bottled
2008
Casktype
Sherry Hogshead
Number of bottles
18000
Strength
40.0 % Vol.
Size
50 ml 700 ml
Bottle code
L8 225 1745 6ML
Barcode
5010494252286
Added on
24 sep 2008 2:13 pm
UncoloredChillfiltered
Ardbeg Blasda
Photo by Whiskybase Shop
Ardbeg Blasda
Photo by Cast Olila
Ardbeg Blasda
Photo by MeMok

Average value

€ 328.63

Found 17 online shops. Lowest price:

€ 229.00
Netherlands Whiskyslijterij De Koning € 275.00
Spain Bodegas Júcar € 295.75
Czechia iDRINKS.cz € 305.91
France Bacchus & Tradition € 306.00
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Whisky reviews for Ardbeg Blasda

88 users have left 100 reviews for this whisky. Average rating is 81.04 points.

  1. Archer scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    Again complain about the Laphroaig 10yo 40%.
    The Blasda, an experiment on the bottle where you don't have to be sad that there was no sequel.
    • Nose
      79 79
      Lemon juice and very mild smoke, barely noticeable. Both aroma components swirl around a bit in the glass, sometimes you have more lemon, sometimes more smoke in your nose. However, one cannot necessarily speak of aroma fireworks now. Then there is not much more.
    • Taste
      81 81
      On the tongue with a little more character than in the nose. Dry and greasy smoke, bitter herbs. Lemon zest, dry wood. Despite the more pronounced taste, it appears thin, translucent, non-specific. You search, research, and you may not believe that nothing else comes - but that's the way it is, even on the tongue.
    • Finish
      79 79
      The smoke note then picks up at the end. But that's the only thing you can still get from it in the slightly dry finish.

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  3. gaboruso scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      83 83

  4. zzqfyl scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      85 85

  5. Ficelli scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      80 80

  6. Tommms scored this whisky 87 points Member Junior

  7. serejja scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    Erghm, what was that? Ok, I would drink that if it was like $40 for a bottle, no doubt. But within that price range literally anything would be better.
    Young, green, not mature at all. Peaty and a bit ashy, a bit of iodine and bubble gum.
    Hard "no"
    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      82 82

  8. krtek911 scored this whisky 83 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      83 83

  9. GlasMost scored this whisky 76 points Expert Senior

    Most disappointing Ardbeg in my life. Sorry, call this an experiment, but I thought my pal was joking, when he gave me that dram. Glad I bought my own bottle for a decent price. Nothing to be missed in any collection. I shall sell mine.

  10. PRV scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    21/21/21/21

  11. DanishDistilled scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    Very strange for an Ardbeg, but I'm judging it as a whisky in general. I don't understand the hate. It's a good whisky, just not what you'd expect from Ardbeg. Very overpriced though.
    • Nose
      86 86
      Barely any smoke. Citrus, pears, malt. Very un-Ardbeg-y nose, but still great! Does not fit the taste.
    • Taste
      93 93
      Some heavier smoke, fruits, tar, charred wood, caramel.
    • Finish
      91 91
      So much is going on here. The flavours keep evolving.

  12. mnljng scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      81 81

  13. Thermidor scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    It's not a bad whisky, but it is a disappointing Ardbeg, and bottled at 40%. Just one more of this distillery's ill-conceived, forgettable "specials".

  14. herby.usa scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    Ardbeg Blasda 40% Vol. - Sherry Hogshead, a slightly older limited bottling (2008). A slightly smoky Ardbeg (8ppm). Blasda is the Gaelic expression for sweet and delicious.
    Color: light straw.
    Conclusion: Not very complex, a lot of sweetness, quite simple and uncomplicated.
    • Nose
      84 84
      Sweet limes, grass, fresh mint, unripe fruit, no smoke in the aroma. .
    • Taste
      82 82
      Very light ash, mint, not quite ripe mirabelle plum, honey sweetness.
    • Finish
      81 81
      Short, sweet, a little ashy

  15. Whisky.Hedonist.MY scored this whisky 47 points Expert Senior

    Thanks DarrenHJA for the sample
    • Nose
      81 81
      Earthy, and light as expected. Somewhat pleasant with the slight hint of medicinal and maritime notes. Bit of farmy and manure notes as well. Deserve a minimum average rating on the nose alone. Let's get to the palate.
    • Taste
      60 60
      Taste like super diluted barley water. Nothing else.
    • Finish
      Zero finish?

  16. Ulcinj scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      90 90

  17. Ulcinj scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      90 90

  18. Ulcinj scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      90 90

  19. Ulcinj scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      90 90

  20. ConvalRen scored this whisky 71 points Connoisseur

    Worst ardbeg? Or second worst to serendipity.
    • Nose
      73 73
    • Taste
      70 70
    • Finish
      69 69

  21. Baanaanaabob scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    lacks complexity but still very drinkable

  22. mema82 scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      88 88

  23. ovanpuyvelde scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    Light smoky notes, a little bit of fruit (mainly green apple) and vanilla on top. Nothing that will stick to your mind for a long time but it’s a good, light dram on a hot summer day when Uigeadails or Corryvreckans are quite strong to boot. It’s worth its original price of 55 euro’s but definitely not more than that. For 100+ euro’s, you better start looking for an old Uigeadail or an old Corryvreckan instead!
    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      83 83

  24. Sandman23 scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      83 83

  25. rolabob scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      83 83

  26. schengel10 scored this whisky 76 points Connoisseur

    Perhaps the most untypical Ardbeg of all time.
    [Color] almost clear;
    • Nose
      fine smoky notes, typical Ardbeg sweetness, delicate vanilla;
    • Taste
      pleasantly soft onset, beautiful vanilla, low smoke, sweet and creamy; light;
    • Finish
      medium in length with vanilla; in the end sweetness and the finest smoke;

  27. Tom na Gruagaich scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    he is not that bad now, very soft and young. Plays in the categories of the other young, medium to slightly peated Highlander. I have no idea what it cost at the time, but for 30 euros this would be a delicious, fresh whisky.
    • Nose
      sweet, quite young, very fruity, canned fruit mix, some smoke, a little crap. Mouth: Very soft, and easy going. A little vanilla, some fruit, that's all.
    • Taste
      Here comes the smoke for the first time, with a little vanilla. Generally, the remains rather sweet and fresh.
    • Finish
      available

  28. whiskyd scored this whisky 74 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      78 78
    • Taste
      72 72
    • Finish
      71 71

  29. lachaineduwhisky did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Rarely seen a whisky so pale! Fine, slightly peaty nose marked by grapefruit and then malt. Evoke a Bruichladdich. White fishing late. Full mouth, despite the 40 ° only. Final slightly salty but rather neutral by cons. Long, it comes back on an impression of smoothness but also tobacco and bitterness. Enthusiasm 3/5

  30. Jordi Bauters scored this whisky 70 points Newbie

    Most people call it the unpeated Ardbeg but he is peated. 8ppm 
    • Nose
      Fresch nose
    • Taste
      Licht peat. 
    • Finish
      Smooth to drink

  31. ricallende scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    Lighter than usual, a good dram for summer
    • Nose
      Light, very light indeed. Surprisingly some peat smoke and ash, very little but more than expected. Rather fruity with green apples, fresh lemons and some kiwis. Small hints of salty caramel and vanilla.
    • Taste
      A tad more smokey and ashy now, but not a lot. All the fruits are back plus some peaches and lemon zest.
    • Finish
      Short and fruity. Pretty lemony with hints of peat smoke.

  32. guerriero82 scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    Tasting Whiskynotes.be :

    This Ardbeg Blasda caused a bit of a shockwave among afficionados. For the first time, the distillery would release a virtually unpeated whisky (8 parts per million instead of 24 ppm). The fans feared that it would be a light “Fanta” version (also because it is bottled at just 40% strength). 

    Ardbeg BlasdaArdbeg Blasda (40%, OB 2008)

    Nose: light and very clean. Quite fruity with juicy apple, fresh lemon and some kiwi. Still noticeably peaty, more than you would expect, with notes of ashes. Slightly coastal as well. Mint. Mouth: again light and clean. Sweet peat, peaches on syrup, lemon. A bit too shy in my opinion. It’s probably too young to have a lot of character. Finish: spicy, peaty, lemony. The nose, the palate and the finish are really playing in the same field here. You could call that harmonious, or you could call that a bit boring.

    Let’s try to evaluate this without Ardbegs tradition in mind, as a new brand so to speak. It’s decent whisky, but not exciting. Light and easy, a good choice for a hot summer day. All in all, I guess there are better examples of lightly peated drams, but I’d love to taste this after a few extra years in the cask. Around € 55.

    An extra point for the elegant packaging!

    Score: 80/100

  33. whiskyfacile scored this whisky 76 points Expert Junior

    for full review go to https://whiskyfacile.com/2012/02/17/ardbeg-blasda-2010-ob-40/
    • Nose
      N: è più affumicato di quanto non ci aspettassimo; è profumato, ma poco intenso. Ha note astrattamente fruttate e, soprattutto, di quella vaniglia tipica dei malti invecchiati in botti di quercia americana. Blande note agrumate (limone) accanto alla torba. Nel complesso, però, non ha molto grip. Più che un Ardbeg, per ora sembra un giovane Caol Ila venuto fuori un po’ troppo gentile (ha senso per qualcuno oltre a noi? Boh…). Piacevole, in realtà, anche se di sicuro non complesso.
    • Taste
      P: Come al naso, uguale uguale. Poco corpo, pochissimo: è ridotto a 40%, e questo ci pare che tenda a attenuare un po’ tutti i sapori, che restano divisi tra torba (lieve) / affumicato (lieve) e vaniglia (lieve) / limone (lieve) / marino (lieve). Più che gentile, onestamente, sembra annacquato: vi capita mai che mentre aggiungete acqua al vostro bel Caol Ila vi scappi qualche goccia di troppo che finisce per rovinare tutto? Ecco, appunto.
    • Finish
      F: molto rapido e soft, tutto su un leggero affumicatino.

  34. stefsel111 scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      82 82

  35. oppi did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Only a little smoky Sweet
    • Taste
      Also, only a little smoke and sweet

  36. mr.p9 scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      86 86

  37. ctu scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    Not an Ardbeg monster, thin, and I missed the phenol.
    • Nose
      Salted minerals, vegetables, sherry, camphor, peat and smoke.
    • Taste
      Thin, creamy. Grapefruit, salted caramel, lavender and ash.
    • Finish
      Medium length, ashy.

  38. Gaija scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    Guilty as charged, I love when peatiness rhymes with subtlety. At the time of writing this review (3 or 4 years ago), I barely knew what Ardbeg was, and approached the Blasda with no preconception whatsoever. As a result, I'm very sorry, but ... I liked it !
    • Nose
      Discrete, feminine, with hessian and various flowers. A light mineral smokiness is still here, this isn't totally void of peat. A slight vegetal acidity. I like it so far, but that's because it's totally my kind of profile.
    • Taste
      Again, I just can't convince myself to hate this. There's white grapefruit, lavender, some delicate cigarette ashes. A light aniseed touch. Salmon, and yet without any saltiness.
    • Finish
      Short, indeed, but clean, with a slight ashy tang again.

  39. Malty-Malt did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      91 91

  40. Landryn scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      89 89

  41. Fight65 scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      82 82

  42. JacobaEd scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      82 82

  43. Dramlicious scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    Ardbeg Blasda is Gaelic for “sweet and delicious”. Only 8ppm (in the spirit), chill-filtered, bottled at 40% ABV… Well, it’s never a good thing to judge a whisky by its label, but this doesn’t sound really Ardbeg-like to me.

    http://dramlicious.com/review-238-ardbeg-blasda/

  44. robain scored this whisky 82 points Specialist

    • Nose
      Smoke, apple, citrus, 
    • Taste
      Peat, smoke, mild
    • Finish
      Peat, ash, tar.

  45. robain scored this whisky 82 points Specialist

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      81 81

  46. Rozenbankje scored this whisky 78 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      78 78
    • Taste
      78 78
    • Finish
      75 75

  47. domani scored this whisky 73 points Expert Senior

    Interesting Ardbeg. Surprisingly mild and impetuous. A light or diluted version of the TEN if you like; but definitely an Ardbeg - 03.01.2016
    • Nose
      Restrained Ardbeg smoke that quickly fades, salty, lemongrass, very mild
    • Taste
      Something sweet, not alcoholic at all, very mild, the smoke remains in the background, creamy, oily, subtle salt notes are spreading, slight bitterness
    • Finish
      Lang

  48. lupowolf63 scored this whisky 80 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      81 81

  49. AH Whiskyvitrine scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      80 80

  50. Landryn scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      77 77

  51. recursiewhisky scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    Colour:

    White wine

    Smell:

    A soft, gentle, shy, sweet and balanced whisky with aroma’s of smoke, ash, subtle tar (railway sleepers), lemon zest, lime juice, licorice root, malt sugars, hint of lemongrass, pine, a hint of mint, shoe polish, creamy vanilla, toffee, apple, pear, salted caramel, subtle kiwi, green hedge leafs, hay, pineapple, tangy fresh marmalade, a hint of sulphur (pleasantly), soft iodine, aniseed, soft mineral tones, camphor and creamy oak.

    Taste:

    A soft, fresh, gentle and well balanced whisky with aroma’s of sweet honey, smoke, soft peat, ash, iodine, brine, subtle marzipan, lemon zest, pepper, green apples, peaches, candied lime, sweet ginger, vanilla, hint of peppermint, icing sugar, roasted nuts, stewed apples, white chocolate, gingersnaps, coffee with cream, slightly bitter grapefruit zest, some floral tones and subtle oak.

    Finish:

    A fairly short and fresh finish with aroma’s of smoke, citrus zest, lemon juice, vanilla, subtle ginger, white pepper, apples, new leather, fresh oak and at the end the peat smoke returns with some iodine tones.

    Conclusion:

    If you expect a big and bold Ardbeg than you are surely disappointed with the Blasda. But if you try to forget that side of Ardbeg this is quite an interesting and challenging dram. It takes some serious attention to extract the somewhat shy flavours and aroma’s of this whisky. The peat and smoke are more prominent that I expected and bring some extra complexity to the glass. Al in all a nice experience and interesting to taste the lightly peated side of Ardbeg. The only thing that could be tweaked in this dram is the abv. of only 40%. I thing it would hugely benefit when it would be bottled at 46% to 48% just to pack a bit more punch on the palate.

    Marks:

    8.8/10

    http://www.worldwhisky.nl/review-347-ardbeg-blasda/

  52. KayMeertens scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    Pretty spicy, and still quite peaty as well.
    • Nose
      Citrus, orange, peat, vanilla, gingerbread and a little malt.
    • Taste
      Pepper, orange, citrus, gingerbread, peat and vanilla.
    • Finish
      Pepper, citrus, orange, peat and burnt wood.

  53. FernetBranco scored this whisky 77 points Connoisseur

    Tastes as if somebody added too much water in your Ten...still good, still ardbeg but without the expected power. Interesting dram, anyway.
    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      75 75
    • Finish
      83 83

  54. ricallende scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      78 78
    • Finish
      79 79

  55. Achany scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      78 78

  56. markkerr02 scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    Test 083: Ardbeg with Michael Heads - 080917
    The whisky tested: Glass 1 Ardbeg Blasda, 40%; 559: - kr 1 point Glass 2 Ardbeg Ten (L7) - "Old" Ten, 46%; 459: - kr 2 points Glass 3 Ardbeg Ten Mòr - "new" Ten, 46%; 3533: - kr for 450 cl 0 points Glass 4 Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 1990/2006, 46%; 599: - kr 18 points Glass 5 Ardbeg Lord of the Isles (L6 = 2006), 46%; 1590: - kr 52 points Glass 6 Ardbeg 1974/2005 cask 2741, 51.9%; 4385: - kr 10 points Glass 7 Ardbeg fat sample 10Y cask 190/1998, 55.2% 2 points Testimonials Per Eriksson Ardbeg Blasda, 40%; 559: - kr (when released in the regular range December 2008) Fat: 2/3 first fill bourbon + 1/3 second fill bourbon Scent: Light smoke, young, apples, some salsified, candy tones Taste: Smoked, salty, fruity, flowers, a little thin, some sweetness, light chocolate, spices Aftertaste: Long, candy, light smoke, some salted, chocolate, spices Score: 86 Testimonials Bernt Sjödin Ardbeg Blasda, 40%; 559: - kr (when released in the regular range December 2008) Fat: 2/3 first fill bourbon + 1/3 second fill bourbon Color: Light - almost like water Scent: Fruity - apple, smoke tones, vanilla Taste: Growth growing, apple tones, some youthfulness Aftertaste: Long with smokers, quite dry, salted, fresh Score: 87 http://smad.se/provningar/Provning%2083%20Ardbeg%20med%20Michael%20Heads.html

  57. Kantenmechaniker scored this whisky 76 points Connoisseur

    Nose and mouth tell two different stories, a pleasantly light nose, but tasteless unconvincing, maybe my half-full sample has gotten too much air.
    • Nose
      Sweet and malty, very light smoked bacon, more bacon than smoke, fresh citrus notes
    • Taste
      Starts surprisingly spicy and dry, becoming sweeter and lighter again, somehow salty
    • Finish
      Dry and salty at the back

  58. Hvdree scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      81 81

  59. smaeksle did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Atypical, as everyone says he is. But not the worst.
    • Nose
      Sweet, slightly smoky note, a little malt.
    • Taste
      Soft, light sea breeze, the malt note comes to the end clearer
    • Finish
      Long but not warming, the mouth remains lined

  60. Georges scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      84 84

  61. Georges scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    Still very peaty for such an "unpeated" malt
    • Nose
      Gentle peat smoke, lemon, apple
    • Taste
      Also peaty, lemon and apple
    • Finish
      Short, fresh and peaty

  62. Paulski88 scored this whisky 70 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      50 50

  63. GlenGabriel scored this whisky 78 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      77 77
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      81 81

  64. Magnus Hillman scored this whisky 73 points Expert Senior

    Disappointed. I had it twice with a approx two years appart. The last time I had it blind and scored pretty much the same notes and results (within the interval).

    (Rating interval 70-74)
    • Nose
      Peat, fresh grass, laundry detergent, bubble blower, salty licorice, lemon licorice and cigarette butt.
    • Taste
      peat, wet paper, starch, citrus and again lemon licorice.
    • Finish
      Short and insipid with some white pepper, quite rough.

  65. Kalle Grabowski scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    Due to the low alcohol content unfortunately too weak, which greatly limits my enjoyment.
    • Nose
      A distinct sweetness with vanilla and refreshing mint. Smoke rather in the background.
    • Taste
      Sweet and creamy. Bright fruits with fine smoke.
    • Finish
      Medium long with a slight spiciness.

  66. Dionysus scored this whisky 81 points Expert Senior

    A very misunderstood whisky,a lot of Ardbeg fans are septic about this one.

    It's not the peated single malt you expect from Ardbeg but it 's a very nice glass indeed.
    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      76 76

  67. cuhp scored this whisky 75 points Expert Senior

    Not that entertaining, too thin.
    • Nose
      Sweet smoke, licorice, wine/acid, salt 
    • Taste
      Sweet smoke, licorice, thin (too low ABV)
    • Finish
      Sweet smoke, licorice, tar, salt 

  68. Hans-Ludwig did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    It is quite light, a bit like herb lemonade. In the nose there is a very restrained smoke for an Ardbeg, but a very pronounced sweetness of bright fruit. There is also a touch of thyme and some salt in the aroma. In the mouth it is sweet and a bit peppery, again only little smoke and sea air. In the background hovers a light melon taste. The short finish again shows pleasant pepper.
    A light, pleasant whisky. Perfectly balanced and delicious without showing any specific notes. Suess it caresses the tongue and the slight smoky notes round off the delicious impression. Who wants to get involved in the world of smoky whiskys from Islay has found the Blasda the right whisky for the entry.

  69. getz scored this whisky 84 points Expert Junior

    Nose: Chocolate éclair sweets and dry coastal driftwood, toffee and refreshers sweets with but a hint of gentle smoke. Despite these dangerously low levels of peat, this is still characteristically Ardbeg.

    Palate: By what alchemy is it possible for something to be both so creamy and spiced so? Thereâ€

  70. getz scored this whisky 84 points Expert Junior

    One of the most talked-about releases of 2008: Ardbeg Blasda is a lesser-peated version of many people`s favourite Islay malt, by taming the usual mighty peating levels they created Blasda, peated to an average of just 8 parts per million phenol (8ppm) compared to the more usual 24ppm. Blasda is still perfectly balanced, but light, sweet and delicious. 

  71. Feis_ile scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    Bladsa or blasphemy? What the hell did Ardbeg do at this time? What could they possibly have thought? Ardbeg decided to throw with a curveball ... ok, maybe a knuckleball and the bottles that are tamed 8 pg / min and unusual for this distillery, `chill-filtered 'at 40% ABV. (Ardbeg is generally about 50 ppm).

    Going on this adventure, I knew it was much lighter than any other Ardbeg expression, with that in mind this is a delicious Islay malt that is most suitable as an aperitif. Because the peat has been cut, you can experience the underlying Ardbeg qualities that you do not normally see in the rest of their range. If you can open your mind and put your `man-turf` card down, I am sure you will really enjoy this fantastic one malt. By the way, in the Gaelic, Blasda means "sweet and delicious"; Welcome to the lighter tasted of Islay!

  72. rinuskrijnen scored this whisky 81 points Expert Junior

    Sweetish, slightly peated and a bit bitter. A short aftertaste that is slightly tingling. The whisky is very accessible and yet slightly smoky. This whisky is also very accessible to beginners of whisky tasting There is clearly an almond taste in the whisky that is slightly bitter. Yet this whisky is not a real highlight in taste. This whisky will certainly be appreciated by people who normally do not like the peated Islay whisky. Maybe the whisky is meant as a stepping stone to try the "heavy guys" like the "TEN".
    After a few gulps the taste drops a bit. I see it more as a beginners whisky. I had higher expectations for the highly regarded Ardbeg.
    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      81 81

  73. Dennis1979 scored this whisky 76 points Administrator

    • Nose
      74 74
    • Taste
      71 71
    • Finish
      75 75

  74. Angelos scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    This is the 40% version of the Ardbeg TEN
    • Nose
      Typical Ardbeg peat, but not that dominant. Quite fresh, some mint, some vanilla, maybe some anis... nice cooling effect
    • Taste
      Some vanilla, bit oak, nice sweetness. Baked pineapples.
    • Finish
      Quite short but pleasant finish. Peat note remains.

  75. Cast Olila scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      79 79

  76. granella2003 scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    The most peated of the island of Islay Single Malt, creates Blasda, a limited edition and experimental expression torbate much more delicate notes of Ten Years Old, a really Ardbeg "lighter" that will arouse the curiosity of lovers of Islay Single Malt. With only 8 ppm (parts per million phenols) in the bottle, Blasda reveals the delicious sweetness of the sorbet with vanilla, lime chocolate and floral fragrance that marks without a doubt all the expressions of Ardbeg.

  77. Willie JJ scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    This is a fine whisky that perhaps lacks a little power in the middle. Its quality is unmistakeable in my opinion.
    • Nose
      It's still smoke that you get first with this stuff. Nicely wrapped around a fresh lemon juice core that unfolds to reveal the coastal character like the inside of a beachcombers shack. It keeps drifting between the citrus and the salt with an occasional whiff of something more pungent. I love it.
    • Taste
      If there's a disappointment then it is here with the lack of attack. Instead there's a gentle smokey-sweet lemon barley water that washes pleasantly across your palate. 
    • Finish
      The excitement resumes here with plenty of smokey goodness that runs on for ages. Little bursts of spicy intensity last for ages.

  78. Jonkers scored this whisky 91 points Expert Senior

    This is a perfect whisky for cold and rainy autumn nights. Very warming.
    • Nose
      Strong peat smoke. Salty due the presence of seaweed. Some citrus and green apples. Very fresh and complex.
    • Taste
      Liquorice. Smokey like bbq-meat. Sweetness from canned tropical fruits. Fruit juice. Complex.
    • Finish
      Spicy and smokey but also sweet from marshmellows. The peat smoke is very pleasant in the background.

  79. Furtia scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      80 80

  80. D3US scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    I must admit I underestimated this before I tasted it after a long time. I don't remember it being quite so enjoyable. But I stand corrected. A very nice whisky indeed.
    • Nose
      Obvious peat, citrus fruit, dried grass, salty. Pineapple, vanille, sour apples. Very fresh.
    • Taste
      Dried grass again, licorice or anise, a slight medicinal note but not too much. Oily. Vanilla sweetness, fresh fruit juice, citrus. The peat is subtle, not dominant.
    • Finish
      Could have been a bit longer, but the freshness and sweet fruits is nice. 

  81. pilgrim77 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    Light and enjoyable, but would benefit from being bottled at a higher %. An interesting experiment. 
    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      80 80

  82. granella2003 scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      Light and pure aromas of apple juice, fresh lemon, pine apple, kiwi and cloves with notes of mint and sea salt
    • Taste
      Again a light and pure taste, sweet barley, pears and lemon with a hint of what can best be described as marzipan
    • Finish
      A spicy aftertaste with a hint of lemon and barley

  83. granella2003 scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    A whisky with a very low dose of barley which leads to a unique flavor, an average Whisky uses a distribution of 24 parts per million parts of phenol barley but Ardberg Blasda has only 8 parts barley. A recipe which lead to a fine whisky, the name is certainly appropriate given Blasda Gaelic for "sweet and delicious"!

    http://www.drankgigant.nl/sterke-drank/whisky/ardbeg-blasda.html

  84. karloff scored this whisky 79 points Specialist

    I bought this bottle at the distillery when the festival was there. It stood out as something different so i thought i would give it a go, plus it was the cheapest bottle there ha.Anyway i really enjoyed it as you would expect from Ardbeg.
    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      75 75

  85. karloff scored this whisky 79 points Specialist

    Another great malt from the Ardbeg range. Great for those who don't like their malt to strong.
    • Nose
      Light peat and smoke with freshly cut grass,t.c.p and moss, but in a good way.
    • Taste
      The taste is a citrus mix, medium bodied with peat, smoke and some peach in there somewhere. Quite smooth as well.
    • Finish
      I know it's a light Ardbeg but it still has that strong peaty, cigar finish.

  86. Drochaid scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    Blasda - translated from the Gaelic with `sweet and delicious`. Discreet smoky and spicy, sweet in the nose. Chocolate? The palate immediately attracts fresh, floral notes. Lemon and vanilla are other keywords to this light, good drinkable Ardbeg with short to medium-long finish. Recommendation: As an aperitif!

  87. QuarterCentury scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    One of the most talked-about releases of 2008 is finally here: Ardbeg

    Blasda is a lesser-peated version of many people`s favourite Islay malt,

    being just 8ppm in bottle (as opposed to the standard 10yo`s 23ppm).

  88. GLEN MAUR scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      78 78

  89. Collector57 did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    This is a really odd one
    • Nose
      There is peat there and something slightly medicinal that I can't quite name. A trace of iodine I think
    • Taste
      Sweet. Lemons and peat. Now this is unusual - it's like having a short finish, but it's finished before I've swallowed it. What's that all about?
      Nice though, while it lasts
    • Finish
      It has come back for the finish, which is longer than the taste if that makes sense. Quite long and peaty in fact. Hmmm, yes I like the finish

  90. Feusi scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    In the afternoon, as a beginner, Islay slightly muted notes on the nose. The sweetness is drowned by a sea breeze, very innovative.
    Despite the advertising, even the smell of phenol, the sweetness is drowned out by a bitterness that is not for beginners, despite the description on the bottle, because there is Islay. 

  91. gralson scored this whisky 63 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      First of all, peaty smell, feel easy distillate, dry, in background easy lemon
    • Taste
      taste can a bit peaty and jodyne and in background little candy sweetness, flat, dry, in background lemon
    • Finish
      finish in tone of taste kept, enough long, dry and as on islay not too long

  92. Lafroy scored this whisky 72 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Strange I must say. No peat, just a little bit of smoke, sweetness, honey, fruits, citrus notes and some freshness. Hints of sherry and paint thinner.
    • Taste
      It starts with light sweetness, bitterness, hot spices and pepper. Basically not like Ardbeg, very soft and easy.
    • Finish
      Medium long, a little hot, with sweetness and dryness at the end.

  93. eilers scored this whisky 79 points Member Senior

    I love this one, partly because my wife gave it to me, but it's a nice dram to enjoy when I'm cooking dinner.

  94. CrilleVBG scored this whisky 92 points Expert Senior

    Is this an Ardbeg lite? No. I would not call it. A bit unbalanced, perhaps, just a bit too weak.
    • Nose
      A little less smoke than usual, but it is sufficient. It is a fresh scent, with lots of citrus flavors.
    • Taste
      The flavor is a bit weaker than you’re used to. But at 40% is sufficient.
    • Finish
      Actually quite short.

  95. applecross scored this whisky 78 points Member Senior

    The Blasda is an intersting experiment leading to a different direction than the Port Charlottes and Octomores.Peatier nose than expected (and still too much for my first lady), sweet taste.
    Generally I am lacking a few % (46-48% would be already great) and the price is out of justification.An Ardbeg? yes!

    Will I buy it? no!

  96. Delinquent scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    I tried it a few days ago. For me he is too flat and boring. Not the way i like Ardbeg. Maybe a few %-Vol more would have made it better.

  97. bgulien scored this whisky 78 points Member Senior

    Summer whisky. Too expensive.

    More expensive then the Renaissance, but doesn't hold a candle to the Rennie.

    I have bought it, because I wanted to know. Disappointment. Not an Ardbeg, more a lowland.

  98. Bachess scored this whisky 80 points Administrator

    Thanks Henry !

  99. Henry scored this whisky 70 points Member Senior

    this Whisky with 8 ppm is chill-filtered and non-colored.Slà inte

    Henry

  100. Bachess scored this whisky 80 points Administrator

    Does anyone know this whisky is colored or chillfiltered?Thanks,

    Bachess

  101. slothmister scored this whisky 87 points Member Senior

    I was present at the world premier tasting of this Ardbeg Blasda in Oslo, Norway.The colour is exactly as it looks on the picture here, the nose contains alot of fruit, apples and pears mostly but with a hint of lemon.The taste is very smooth, not at all smoky/peaty but still definitely an Ardbeg.I am a huge Ardbeg fan and this bottling has already been added to my collection :D

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