Ardnamurchan AD/02:16 CK 71

Review #043 Type: single malt scotch Strength: 57.8% Details: No age statement on the bottle, but distilled in 2016 and bottled in March 2022, suggesting an age of 5 or 6 years. Bottle number 128 out of 312. Spanish Oloroso single cask. Tasted after: Ardnamurchan AD/ Appearance (no score): Auburn hue. Swirling shows a thin film on the glass, which slowly thickens, but the legs form very gradually. Nose: 18/20 Milk chocolate, raspberry preserves, sugared orange peel, bonfire embers, espresso, and a faint trace of asphalt sealant. Palate: 35/40 Cinnamon and honey are prominent, alongside dark chocolate, raisins, and a wisp of smoke. Finish: 36/40 A medium-long finish. Surprisingly not very harsh, considering it's cask strength. More honey, gradually fading into an intriguing salty ash flavor, then oak wood, concluding with my mouth holding the bitter-creamy essence of recently consumed extra-dark chocolate. With Water: A few drops of water add extra sweetness to the palate, introducing peaches and raspberries, and bring black pepper notes to the finish. Total: 89/100 Final thoughts: I acquired this bottle during a trip to Quebec for a hockey tournament and am very pleased with it. It doesn't offer the same value as the AD/, but it's certainly a few steps better, and it was interesting to taste a single sherry cask immediately afterward and note the similarities between the two. I truly appreciate how they've used blockchain technology to ensure complete transparency in the distillation process for each individual bottle: https://ardnamurchan-distillery.co.uk/newBottles-detail/157878 Cost: $199 CAD Recommended: yes Would repurchase: yes Scoring Guide: 96-100: The ultimate drink, absolutely outstanding, divine, I will cherish this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Nearly perfect, possesses a truly special quality, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to exceptional, almost flawless, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable, but not mind-blowing, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to buy again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid drink, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or pouring directly down the drain, 2.5 stars or less.