Ardnahoe 5 Year Inaugural Release

Nose: Peat smoke, Diesel fuel, and a distant farmyard smell, alongside vanilla, barley sugar, butterscotch sauce, mint, lemon, and cherry. After some time in the glass, I detected apple puree with clove spice. Adding water had minimal effect. Palate: The initial taste is sharply smoky and sweet, with notes of beef broth and nutty sherry. As it develops, it gains softer, honeyed tones, some mild wood spices, and gentle coastal hints (shellfish) before settling into a chocolate and nut muesli bar. The texture is neutral; it has presence but lacks density. Water enhances the sweetness on the palate more than on the nose. Finish: Medium duration. Subtle smoke intertwines with the late-developing fruity flavors that linger in the aftertaste. This young whisky is impressive as an initial offering from a new distillery. Despite its quality, I believe it's merely a preview of what this distillery will offer in a couple of decades. While many recently established Scottish distilleries produce high-ester spirits ready for consumption after three years, this spirit suggests a design for extended aging. Furthermore, it possesses a distinctly "Islay" character, in a positive way. Its smokiness isn't generic or an imitation of other Islay spirits; rather, it evokes aspects of several Islay whiskies, reminding me of Lagavulin, Caol Ila, and Ardbeg. I am eager to follow their progress and enjoy future bottlings as they release older whiskies. This is certainly one to keep an eye on. Tasted at the distillery, April 16, 2025. "Very Good": 85/100 (4 stars)

I tend to view initial releases as a promotional tactic, something new and shiny, bottled prematurely, and a limited run making it absurdly expensive. Furthermore, they're usually quite disappointing in flavor. Even if it has a good age statement and tastes great, the price is still too high (Daftmill inaugural comes to mind). Until now. This is a 5-year-old, respectable 50% ABV, 70k bottle release, priced at a very reasonable $75. And it tastes amazing! Nose: Wow, I wasn't expecting this... a big hit of peat and smoke. Palate: This is where the sherry influence shows. Initially, it's soot and campfire, but then it shifts to apples, heather, red berries, and cocoa. Imagine if Ledaig and Balvenie had a child. This is truly impressive for a first release, especially considering it's aimed at the mass market with a massive 70,000 bottle count. They clearly wanted everyone to be able to afford it and, more importantly, to open it and drink it, not hoard it. Up until now, my favorite inaugural release (that I actually opened and tried) was Kilchoman, and more recently, Torabhaig. Others were simply too costly (Daftmill, Bimber), or just 'meh, it's fine' (Aber Falls, Lagg, Drumshambo, Cotswold, Filey Bay, Isle of Harris, Lochlea, Wolfburn, Mc’Nean). This is now my top inaugural release, with the added bonus of actually being excellent. Buy it immediately. Yes, it's a bit expensive for a 5-year-old (still not bad, considering Ardbeg Wee Beastie costs $65 and isn't as good), but incredibly affordable for an inaugural release.

Received a generous sample, I was eager to try this. My first time with Ardnahoe. Uncertain of what to anticipate. Let's settle in for a movie and see how it goes. Nose: Sweet peat. Bold yet accessible. A very welcoming scent. A slight saltiness alongside the phenols always brings to mind a beach bonfire. Butterscotch, citrus rinds, lemon candies, black tea, and, surprisingly, eucalyptus. A very diverse aromatic blend. Palate: The body is light. Lighter than one might expect from the robust nose. Fruity and spicy. Sherry characteristics are the first flavor detected. Somewhat similar to Glendronach. The phenols coat the mouth. Alongside them, notes of an apple orchard, leather, cherries, demerara sugar, nougat, and milk chocolate (reminiscent of a 3 Musketeers bar). These flavors do not all appear simultaneously. Patience is rewarded. Finish: At the conclusion, the palate is left with soot, tar, and vanilla. Cigar and caramel linger indefinitely. A pleasant, extended finish. Water: Adding water makes the dram sweeter. I'm uncertain if it enhances the dram or not. It does help to open up the nose, though. Overall: A friend provided a perfect description: “Imagine if Ledaig and Balvenie had a child”. An accurate comparison. This possesses all the necessary components and balance to be an excellent pour. Even more impressive is that, despite being only five years old, it drinks like a very mature spirit. This is worth adding to your collection if you can find it. Thanks again to my friend.

My review is delayed, but it's always a good time to acknowledge what might be the finest debut bottling in recent memory. The aroma is distinctly Islay: smoky, salty, and a bit earthy. Notes of orange peel, underripe peach, and seaweed blend with cooked tomatoes, spearmint, and barnyard character. The arrival is gingery and citrusy, evolving on the palate with oak spices, honey, and a sharp hit of dry peat. It effectively conceals its youth. Licorice, lime, and a hint of rubber conclude the fresh, herbal finish. Well done to Ardnahoe; choosing a 5-year-old was the correct decision.

The nose offers fruity aromas of apple and citrus. Smoke emerges on the palate, particularly towards the back. The peat is moderate, presenting more as smoke than vegetal, brine, or medicinal notes. It has a certain thickness, though it doesn't feel particularly oily. I'm unsure if that description makes sense. The palate is quite straightforward, with little variation from one sip to the next. It also comes across as a bit bold. However, it's certainly enjoyable, and I look forward to tasting their future, more aged releases.

Smells of sweetener, light peat, dried apricots, and buttercream. Tastes of toast with pear preserves, sweet floral peat, and peanut shells. The finish brings warming barrel spice. The peat quality is similar to Caol Ila and Lagavulin. Initial excitement raised my expectations, leading to disappointment at first. However, as the bottle has been open longer and I've had more exposure, the quality of this dram really shines. Significant potential.