Ardnamurchan AD/

Review #041. Type: single malt scotch. Proof: 46.8%. Comments: technically no age statement but made from casks distilled in 2015 and 2016, bottled April 2022, so likely 5 or 6 years old. Bottle 1,493 of 25,200 from AD/04.22.02. A blend of peated and unpeated malts, aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Tasted after: first up. Appearance (no score): Burnished color. Swirling shows a thin line on the glass that slowly thickens, but the legs are very slow to form. Nose: 17/20. Sweet and zesty lemon squares, a pleasant gentle peat smoke, pears, vanilla, and honey. Palate: 34/40. A nice, almost milky mouthfeel with very little alcohol burn. Surprisingly simple on the palate, I detect toffee, a wisp of smoke, a dash of salt, and a hint of orange citrus. Despite the lack of complexity, it remains well-balanced and very enjoyable. Finish: 36/40. Medium length. Oak spice quickly gives way to mild chili pepper heat, then cinnamon and hearty wheat bread. By the end, my mouth feels slightly cool, reminiscent of having just chewed a mint leaf. With Water: A drop of water adds some extra saltiness to the finish. Total: 87/100. Final thoughts: This is a very nice bottle, offering a slightly smoky, flavorful profile without being overly complex. It consistently satisfies, regardless of my mood. I personally find it to be an incredible value at its current price. This will likely become a permanent addition to my collection, and I truly appreciate the transparency of the distillation process for each bottle enabled by blockchain technology: https://ardnamurchan-distillery.co.uk/newBottles-detail/184845. Price: $48. Would recommend: yes. Would buy: yes.

46.8%, Non Chill Filtered, no added color Nose: sweet smoke – reminiscent of distant pine smoke, freshly squeezed lime, chocolate orange being broken open, sea or lake mist with some plant matter. Palate: Sweet smoke upfront, honey and oats, salted light caramel, peanut shells, and chocolate. Finish: medium long, drying salted dark chocolate with some heathery peat. I discovered Ardnamurchan somewhat by chance, as I have a strong preference for Ben Nevis whiskies (for reasons I'll discuss later) and wanted to explore something else from the Lochaber region. What I found was an oily, salty whisky with notes of "peanuts on the pier," which held its own against the rugged character of that mountain distillery. This is another fantastic value-for-money whisky that evokes memories of being on a fishing boat with distant forest fires sending their smoke gently my way. I truly appreciate Ardnamurchan's transparency and reasonable pricing, and I would make this a regular purchase.

Nose: Lemon zest and fresh peels are upfront with coastal breeze salinity and dense peat. Palate: Crisp green apple and pear are alongside creamy wafts of oaken vanilla and roasted barley. Herbaceous notes of seaweed and vegetal peat provide a dry, smoky edge. Finish: Plenty of citrus on the finish, with more zesty lemon and candied orange. The harbourside peat notes continue, softened by earthy vanilla, and buttery toasted oak.

Aroma: I detect bacon and various meats immediately! Savory and salty. Chemical, acidic notes are present. Overall, a milder aroma. Taste: Very sweet, light, and with significant meatiness. Light peat, briny. Also has a grassy note. A very pleasing texture. Short finish. Somehow, it carries some heat or warmth as it goes down. This distillery has been excelling!

It's difficult to say a distillery can't make a mistake, but can Ardnamurchan do anything wrong?!? Every release is fantastic, and for such a new distillery, I'm constantly amazed! This is their most basic offering, and it's still incredible! Peated to a moderate level, it balances pleasant spice and fruit wonderfully. I eagerly anticipate their future releases!

I acquired this while exploring non-Islay peated whiskies. It possesses considerably less peat and is lighter than typical South Islay whiskies. The spirit is aged for 7-8 years and peated to about 18 ppm, but it tastes even milder, somewhat comparable to a Bowmore. It's an acceptable dram, but not something I would repurchase.