Ardnamurchan Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength - Peated

I cannot locate a code or any identifying information here. This is the initial release of the CS without a date, so I assume this is the correct place to review it. I'm nearing the end of this bottle; I've been using it as my go-to when I can't taste but want peat. That should give you an idea of where this is headed. A friend and I already reviewed it on the channel, but this is months later and near the end. Aroma - Bubble gum with hints of cherry and strawberry. Those sour fruits are over a smoke pit... coal-driven. Some mint, pine, and a touch of glue-like sourness. Overall, really lovely. More pepper and lemongrass notes. Palate - There's a pleasant sweetness, but it is indeed very spiced. Really spiced. Good smoke and peat characteristics. Good vanilla and a nice kiss of sherry. But damn, this has heavy pepper and spice. I'm not sure where this is coming from. Is it the youth or perhaps unusual casks? I'm leaning towards youthful malt. I truly hope this malt matures and rounds out past this spice note by the time it reaches 10 years old (which is coming out soon). I believe this will be great at 10 years old. However, it's not there yet. 1.25 - There's potential here, but it's not essential. Perhaps split a bottle 10 ways to sample the distillery.

Nose: Savory, salty, mild peat, sweet honey Palate: Sweet peat, mild smoke, oily, fennel/anise, hay/floral. A bit of a medicinal/Fisherman's Friend funk comes through. Finish: Medium short. Black tea, saline, sweet smoke. Very gentle peat on the aftertaste, with white pepper and hints of apple and pear. This is a pleasant, gently peaty drink. The spirit feels mellow despite being cask strength. I'd consider this an introductory peated dram. Easy to enjoy. It highlights the spirit's character, not just the casks. Ranked tied for third out of six drams, receiving 15% of votes for favorite of the night. 91% of attendees enjoyed the whisky.

Nose: medicinal, citrus Body: brine, citrus Finish: smoky, spice