Ardnamurchan spirit 2019 AD

This is the final review in a five-part series covering a private tasting of independent bottlings at my local shop. Our tasting lineup: 1. Càrn Mòr - Strictly Limited - Benrinnes 10 Year Old 2009 2. Hunter Laing - Talisker 2008 - 9 Year Old Old Malt Cask 3. Claxton's The Single Cask - Bunnahabhain 2013 - Staoisha - 6 Years Old 4. Caol Ila 5-Year-Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside) 5. Ardnamurchan Spirit 2019 AD Technically speaking, this Ardnamurchan isn't whisky yet. It's a blend of two butts, six hogsheads, and twenty-one octaves. All components are over 3 years old, making them whisky, except for the octaves, which were only matured for about two years. Adding to the complexity, the barrels are a mix of American and Spanish oak that previously held Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez spirits. While not as limited as the other bottles, approximately 5000 are available. The influence of the Oloroso and Ximénez became immediately apparent from the dram's color, which was almost amber-like and showed great promise. The aroma was pleasant, sweet, and smoky, while the palate introduced dried fruits and more smoke. Unlike the Claxton’s Bunnahabhain's intense smoke, this spirit's smoke arrived more gradually and built up. Combined with salted caramel (delicious!), it creates a perfectly balanced dram with abundant flavor and smoke. The finish is long-lasting, primarily with smoke and a hint of salt. Of all the drams tasted today, this Ardnamurchan spirit was the only one that truly rivaled the Claxton’s Bunnahabhain Staoisha. I'd rate both at least four stars. I might even slightly prefer this one over the Claxton, but since my son really enjoyed the latter, and friends were already buying this Ardnamurchan Spirit, we decided to purchase the Claxton’s instead. I might consider buying a bottle of the Ardnamurchan when it's officially designated as whisky in a few months!

Spicy notes, with a slight kick that becomes really mellow after adding a bit of water.

Pleasant, a nice change from heavy sherry influence.