Ardnamurchan AD/09.20:01

It's the end of 2020, and I'm closing out the year with a different whiskey each day, like my own personal whiskey advent calendar. +7! December 30, 2020 I'm trying to appreciate a whisky from outside Speyside for the first time, though I've seen others do it. My current impression is that the Highlands are my favorite region, with Loch Lomond, Compass Box (Spice Tree), and Highland Park being three excellent new finds for me this December. I know there are arguments about classifying Compass Box as a highland scotch, but it's a reasonable case. So, I'm going to try and set my expectations for this one. I'll start conservatively, as I'm still learning. I'm anticipating mild peat, juiciness, some citrus, and an oily, sweet texture. This is my last sample from a very generous friend, and I'm so grateful for the many experiences they've provided me this December. The aroma has a slight burn but also very little scent. Honestly, I don't detect much. Oats, bran cereal, and a faint hint of smoked meat with some concentration. The body starts subtly and then intensifies. Wow, that's unexpected. Initially, there are notes of orange and sugar, but halfway through, it shifts sharply to bitterness. I'm not quite sure how to describe that flavor. On a bourbon, I might liken it to leather, but it's different here. I'm going to call it (please don't judge me) the taste of dried sweat on skin. I did say don't judge me. The finish has some smoked meat, maple syrup, baking powder, black pepper, baked bread, and cinnamon. It's a powerful impact on your palate, and I enjoy it. I have to comment on the mouthfeel of this whisky, as it nearly shocked me a moment ago. I often appreciate a texture that evolves like a wave, where as the drink progresses on your tongue, the texture changes, the flavors rise and fall, and there's a resolution that makes the drink feel intricate and lively. This is not that. Even considering the nose, this experience begins like a volume knob at 1, gradually increasing to 11 by the finish. There's a reason I got few notes at the start and many at the end, and it was due to that ever-increasing intensity of sensation. My first sip felt like my head might explode. I don't know what that is or how they achieved it, but I genuinely don't recall having that specific sensation before. The flavors were all good, and perhaps with more of it, I could have identified more, but the initial sips were pure endurance. I both liked it and was perplexed by it. I believe this makes sense as a reflection of my vague understanding of "highland scotch." I was a bit off on the juicy/sweet aspects, but the rest aligned with my assumptions. I still maintain that the Highlands are my favorite! It's that time of year. My daily whiskey choice is spontaneous, so if you're reading this and there's something easily accessible you'd like me to try this holiday season, suggest it in the comments. Happy holidays to all, and enjoy your drinks!

Considering that Springbank 10 now costs over $100, I believe these Ardnamurchan blended cask releases, which are NAS, represent the best value single malts available in the $50-75 range. Port Charlotte 10 might also be considered, but it's rare to find an entry-level single malt with such a robust, old-fashioned flavor profile these days. I've finished two bottles of Ardnamurchan AD. While I didn't note the bottling dates, they were from different batches and tasted virtually identical. These are exceptionally well-balanced whiskies, offering the complete Scotch experience with a distinct hint of peat and an oily texture that complements a broad spectrum of flavors: umami, pepper, citrus, grass, tobacco, and toffee. It's accessible for newcomers but would deeply impress experienced Scotch aficionados, especially as a blind tasting. The blending technique is reminiscent of Compass Box, yet it remains a single malt since it's exclusively from one distillery. This is the peak achievement for Scotland's newer distilleries, demonstrating how to build a brand with young spirit through careful blending and reasonable pricing. I haven't encountered a better expression of this flavor profile on the market. There isn't a pricier bottle I could suggest as an upgrade for those who enjoy this style because nothing else is quite like it. The closest comparison to this old-school whisky is an discontinued bottling, Ardmore Traditional Cask, a fantastic dram I used to buy for under $40. Fond memories.

I recently did something that would likely baffle flippers and collectors. I opened a difficult-to-obtain inaugural release. Well, first things first, before we delve into this whisky: we must address the obvious issue. That is the sheer absurdity of 3-year-old first releases being purchased by collectors at prices 3-5 times their original cost. Consider the recent Mc'Nean. It sat on the shelf for a mere minute at $50, then was auctioned for $200. Then there are the initial releases from Waterford. Ratheadon, Ballyclavan, and Bannow were $60, but flipped for $400-500. This is another one like that—bought for $50, but now fetching multiples of that in secondary markets. A 3-year-old should barely cost $50, not be in the same category as well-established 20+ year olds. Anyway, enough of my rant... I'll get off my soapbox. So, this is the newest Highlander, owned and operated by Adelphi. Their claim to fame is the use of blockchain technology to track everything from crop to buyer. One cannot help but applaud them for employing cutting-edge technology. That's all well and good... but how is the liquid? Well... it's decent. Herbal and briny on the nose. I had to check if this was an Islander or not. It presents like an Islander, but it's a Highland. Oak, spice, and driftwood on the palate. It truly feels like an Islander... it's as if Talisker were at 3 years old and without peat. Just brine, driftwood, and oak. I want to say 'this is a great start for a 3-year-old,' and it is. At $50, yes, it's worth it. But don't pay a penny more. Sadly, this 3-year-old sold out in minutes, only to appear in secondary markets for multiples of that price.

Smells of honey, vanilla, and brine. Very light smoke. The palate has summer fruits, subtle peat smoke, honey, brine/salt, and marzipan. It's slightly 'hot' but not distractingly so. The finish is tannic, with plum & dark fruit, and leather. Lingering salty peat right at the end. There is a rich, waxy mouthfeel. A good amount of complexity for its age. This comes across as a well-made dram. I'll be interested to see what they are producing with a few more years on the spirit. This came last of the six whiskies, with 0% of the final vote for favorite of the night. (78% of those present said they enjoyed the whisky). Suffered from being the first of the evening and possibly the least remarkable, but that shouldn't diminish the fact that this is an excellent young whisky.

Bottle scalpers are a nuisance for all spirits enthusiasts, especially concerning initial releases. Despite being only 5 years old, this Ardnamurchan's nose is quite expressive, featuring stone fruits, thyme, and wisps of smoke alongside brine, juniper, and muesli. The palate delivers peat smoke and spices in tandem, followed by raspberries, peppermint, and clear sherry characteristics. It's remarkably complex and has a notably oily texture. The finish is mineralic and subtly bitter, with notes of dark chocolate, wood smoke, and a minty freshness. This is a malt to savor, not to resell! RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

This is good! A new distillery that's becoming available. Very peaty and balanced, with some citrus towards the end. Medium-long finish. Similar in style to the dark series from ancNoc. Really looking forward to what they release in the future, especially with older age statements (this one is likely quite young). Bottle opened in August 2023.