Ardnamurchan AD/12:16 First Fill ex PX Sherry Hogshead # 1322 Binny's

A friend possesses this bottle. They permitted me to sample a serving. The color is a deep, rich, dark caramel. Aroma - A potent aroma. Predominantly sherry on the nose. I detect overripe bananas, raisins, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Lavender and moss are also present. Hints of chocolate and fruitcake! What a luxurious aroma! Palate - A fantastic initial sip! It is very potent, with an interesting warmth. Very grape-forward, reminiscent of overripe grapes! Strong notes of molasses and sugarcane emerge. Wonderfully rich, raisiny, and oily. It coats the mouth exceptionally well. The finish is long and lingers! Quite spicy towards the end! Enjoyable spice! Overall, a superb pour!!

Nose: The fragrance presents dried banana chips and milk chocolate, along with ripe plum and floral citrus blossoms. Toffee butter, spicy oak, and a touch of saltiness are also present. Palate: The taste is rich, featuring salted butter on baked plums, caramel chocolates, and toffee bars. Spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves contribute warmth and complexity. Finish: The finish is extended and warm, with persistent cardamom and cloves, gradually fading into sweet, chocolate-covered plums.

A magnificent sherry-forward spirit! The PX sherry provides a wonderful fruity sweetness, and surprisingly, I detected mango and pineapple on the palate alongside the anticipated nutty, plum, and dark sherry notes. The Ardnamurchan distillate still shines through, leaving a delightful, spicy finish that makes your mouth water. It held up exceptionally well in a side-by-side comparison with the standard AD/ release! No peat, no issue with this cask strength gem!