Ardnamurchan AD/04.21:03

Ardnamurchan is among Scotland's newest distilleries. It is owned by the long-established independent bottler Adelphi, which is highly regarded by critics. Located in Argyll, this distillery is one of the most environmentally conscious available. They label their bottles by batch; this review is for batch 04.21:03. Bottled at 46.8% ABV, with a light gold color. The aroma has a peaty and bourbon-like profile. Ashtray, bananas, and a pair of new cotton socks. Malted barley notes are very apparent. After a few minutes, the scent became richer. After an initial taste, it revealed vanilla, ashes, and stewed fruits. Pears. The palate is good. Banana, sulfuric, metallic. Ashy and very oily. After several sips, it revealed rum and raisins; a little young but pleasant. The aftertaste was my favorite component. Leather, ashes, and rubber; a peaty profile. Tobacco and intense ginger. Sea water and chocolate. Overall, for a young whisky, this one is acceptable. My final score for this expression might not fully represent its future potential. I truly believe it has promise, but it needs more time in the barrel. Great peatiness but a bit unrefined. My score for it is a solid 83 out of 100.

Aroma: Berries, candy for kids, strawberry, vanilla, acetone, herbaceous. Taste: Nutty, woody (oak), fruity (berries & orchard fruits). Finish: More woodiness, sweet, berries. A touch of hairspray/acetone in the aftertaste. This is a very soft and gentle pour. It’s fruity and woody throughout. There are hints of peat, but you have to search for them. Nice. I'm genuinely pleased this is a pleasant, easy-drinking dram. My parents used to rent a holiday place near Ardnamurchan when I was younger, and we spent every summer there for over ten years of my childhood, so I felt a real connection. I tried the initial release when it came out, and it was adequate but not special. I had an opportunity to buy it through a lottery but declined because it didn't really impress me (I don't resell bottles – I consume them!). This is a good whisky, not just because of nostalgia; it's a very flavorful, gentle dram.

Mild, delicate, but without fireworks.