Ardnamurchan AD/11:14 CK.339

Aroma - Rich caramel, toasted barley, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, vanilla, raisins, almost feels like a sherry finished bourbon (with water) More malty here, toasted barley, cocoa nibs, rich caramel, raisins, cinnamon, orange Taste - Toasted barley, young malt, toasted green cardamom pods, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, chili powder, raisins (with water) Toasted barley, cocoa powder, chili powder, cinnamon, raisins, more drying Finish - Little heat, cocoa powder, cinnamon spice, "green" spices (with water) Same Score - 83/100 Final Thoughts - Immediately, this suggested a sherry finished bourbon, were it not for the toasted barley notes I detected. It strongly resembled the younger Westland whiskies I've sampled, particularly their 5 malt barley blend, which includes their toasted chocolate barley – a component I appreciate (also found in Glenmorangie Signet, which I enjoy). Despite being 6 years old, it carries a peculiar quality I often associate with younger malts. It possesses a distinct "green" spice character, which I attribute to either young malt or aging in "young" oak barrels. To my senses, it presents as very "green" in both aroma and taste. The sherry influence is pleasant, lending a nice raisiney quality. It also has a pleasing drying cocoa nib characteristic. Overall, it's not bad, but I'm not particularly fond of that "green" spice note. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.