Ardmore Tradition

This no-age-statement peated Highland malt is exclusively available in travel retail. It undergoes a second maturation, with a finish in quarter casks. While the initial maturation cask type is unknown, it's likely a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry, predominantly American oak with some European. It's bottled at 46% ABV and is not chill-filtered. Unfortunately, artificial coloring is added, giving it a bright gold hue. The aroma immediately presents earthy peat smoke, evoking lovely smoked meats like brisket or ham. There's a strong presence of brown sugar/molasses, along with raisins, dried figs, and a touch of oak. As it sits, a prominent vanilla cream emerges, alongside toffee and caramel. Cardboard notes appear, followed by floral honey. Subsequently, it alternates between smoked meats and musty cardboard. While it occasionally reveals its youth, it also displays some complexity. The palate offers a pleasant medium level of peat smoke, reminiscent of rich soil (in a good way) and more smoked meats. A subtly malty character is present, along with vanilla and little else that was readily discernible. There's a light oiliness in the mouthfeel that shifts to semi-dry. The finish is medium in length, smoky, and moderately sweet. I purchased this 1L bottle at duty-free for around $40 (possibly closer to $35). It offers exceptional value and quality, in my opinion. The smoked meat characteristics strongly brought to mind Ardbeg Corryvreckan, though with significantly less complexity and intensity. The peat level sits somewhere between Lagavulin and Highland Park, noticeable but not overpowering. I must say this is my new preferred peated scotch outside of Islay/Island regions. Cheers

After watching the game where South Carolina advanced to the Sweet 16, I enjoyed this whisky, a gift from a friend. The aroma is straightforward, dominated by peat, fruit cocktail, and brine, with subtle undertones of vanilla and oak. The initial taste is deep and warming due to the high alcohol content. Peat and brown sugar are in harmony, with these two distinct flavors alternating: first peat, then brown sugar. This interplay continues into a warm, peppery conclusion. The finish is oaky and sweet, with notes of vanilla-honey and smoke/ash. The flavors are fleeting, and I desired a longer duration. I felt this whisky was more akin to an Islander than a Highlander. It possesses the potential to be among the top-tier peated whiskies, but it seems to lack maturity, feeling somewhat artificially developed to achieve a superficial age, if that makes sense. Nevertheless, it is still quite enjoyable. The combination of peat and sweetness makes it a pleasant warming drink for winter. [Dry Glass: Salted Caramels][85/100][Tasted: 3/19/17]

Following a strong endorsement of the Ardmore Traditional Cask, I was eager to try its replacement, the Ardmore Tradition, and it met expectations. It's important to know that the Traditional Cask was my second favorite whisky of all time and its discontinuation led me to hope this new expression would satisfy. While I still prefer the Traditional Cask, this is a well-rounded and highly enjoyable dram. It presents at 46% ABV with a warm golden hue. The aroma is exceptional, featuring significant peat, along with notes of prunes, vanilla, butter, and cocoa powder. The palate is where it falls slightly short, primarily due to my comparison with the other Ardmore I so admire. The flavors are well-balanced, with hints of nutmeg, pepper, peanut butter, licorice, and assertive oak, culminating in a potent spice sensation that is quite pleasing, though hotter than its predecessor. The finish is remarkably long and mouth-watering, bearing some resemblance to Highland Park 12yo. Overall, it's a fantastic dram, earning a score of 93 out of 100; I'm a big fan of Ardmore. Seek it out, especially since it's available in travel retail. Cheers!

Nose: Smoke, caramel, charred oak, but with a sharp, sour undertone like spoiled hay. Palate: A grain-forward arrival with some fruity and vanilla bourbon notes, along with smoke. Salted caramel toffee appears in the development but is overwhelmed by a developing herbal, grassy quality that turns sour and bitter, resembling herbal cough drops and damp paper. Finish: Medium and quite dry, with the sharp, slightly salty-sour herbal character being too intrusive. Not a favorite due to too many off-notes throughout. Acceptable as a mixer, but the sour notes still interfere. My sample was from a half-bottle at a B&B on Islay last year, which offered a small selection of miniatures and bottles for guests (pour yourself a dram and leave a coin in the tray). It's possible it was badly oxidized, and a fresh bottle might be more appealing. "Inferior": 67/100 (1.5 stars).

First, this is not the Traditional Cask release from Ardmore. This is a newer travel retail exclusive. It's a NAS quarter cask finished Highland scotch that's non-chill filtered, but has added color and is bottled at 92 proof. I believe the bottle retails for $40-45. The nose is very inviting: there's an abundance of vanilla, some oak cask, and a gentle wisp of smoke. On the tongue, there's an initial creaminess that gives way to an excellent level of peat smoke without much bite from the casks. The finish is medium length, warming, and really smooth and creamy. What a nice little dessert dram. I wouldn't mind having a full bottle of this for a nice after-dinner drink. If it's true that this is a $45 (per 1L) single malt, then this is a fantastic value. If you see this in a duty-free shop, pick it up. You won't be disappointed. Closer to 3.75 stars than 3.5. Cheers.

This bore a strong resemblance to HP12; I detected a salty, briny, lightly peated aroma. I was surprised it's a Highlander, as it felt much more like an Islander. Perhaps this distillery is situated closer to the coast? Regardless, the nose carries through to the palate with citrus, smoked meats, and a more pronounced peat. For $40-50 per liter, it is an undeniable bargain, especially when compared to HP 12. A sample was generously provided by a friend – thank you!