Ardnamurchan AD/08.22:03 (USA)

I gave in to the buzz! Ardnamurchan received OSWA awards and is lauded in the Scotch community, so I felt compelled to try it. I acquired this bottle for my Whisky Club, and frankly, it felt disappointing compared to other bottles. Appearance - light golden color, thin legs, not very viscous. On the nose - subtly smoky with orange peel, a little minty (Ardnamurchan suggests nutmeg, but it’s not distinctly nutty; rather, it contributes an earthy, minty quality reminiscent of nutmeg) and a touch of toffee sweetness. Palate - More peaty than anticipated, perhaps walnut with an orange sensation, malty. A smoky and peppery finish. With added water - It reduced the smokiness slightly. It became earthier, less sweet, and more nutty. The orange peel is now very subtle, giving way to nutty, herbal notes. Once again, somewhat underwhelming and excessively smoky for my expectations. Regardless, it's a commendable dram, but my anticipation was high. Cheers!