Final fall, we received our first style of the one malts of Ardnamurchan, a brand new distillery from Adelphi, a longtime unbiased bottler who determined to lastly get absolutely into the Scotch whisky recreation. The distillery makes each peated and unpeated spirit aged in a mixture of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and European oak, and it’s positioned up to now off the western coast of the Scottish Highlands you’d suppose they have been hiding it from the remainder of us. Chris tasted their flagship, AD Small Batch, not as soon as however twice and was doubly impressed. I used to be in a position to run down samples of three restricted releases, one a U.S.-exclusive bottling. Ideas comply with.
Ardnamurchan The ArdnAmerica Tour Bottling – A restricted launch of solely 900 bottles completely for the American market (therefore the identify) comprised of peated and unpeated spirit as much as six-years-old aged in a mixture of oloroso and Pedro Ximenez. Just like the flagship, the combination of peated and unpeated spirit is a perfect mix of barley sugar and campfire smoke, which kinds the muse of the aroma. The ending, nevertheless, introduces much more complexity and depth with a stunning prime dressing of darkish raisin, berry compote, sugared almonds, and worn leather-based. The palate is redolent with fruit, kicking off with a silky rush of sugary figs and plump raisins then turning a shade brighter throughout the palate with notes of strawberry jam. It’s gently peppery and warming with a lacing of salty smoke and ash that hints at its coastal origins. The end is beneficiant and mouthwatering with cranberry, damp tobacco, and clove. A stunning younger single malt. 115.6 proof. A / $100
Ardnamurchan Madeira Cask Launch – That is all unpeated spirit aged 5 years in ex-bourbon earlier than ending in Madeira casks for a 12 months. That lack of smoke provides this Ardnamurchan a wholly totally different profile on the nostril, showcasing honey syrup, crisp malts, and custard. The sherry is deftly balanced, including layers of dried orange peel, recent crimson berries, and a slight nuttiness. The palate is way bolder than the nostril suggests, kicking off with huge notes of sesame candies, currants, and uncooked honey earlier than revealing a little bit of inexperienced apple, lemon oil, and golden raisin on the midpalate. It’s vigorous with a chalky texture and a balanced heat that spikes ever so barely into an extended end of Linzer cookies and lemon tarts. Enjoyable and fascinating. 116.4 proof. A- / $100
Ardnamurchan Paul Launois Launch – Once more, all unpeated spirit aged in ex-bourbon however this time completed in barrique casks from Champagne producer Paul Launois. One in every of not less than three different Paul Launois Champagne releases, from what I can collect on-line, and never but out there stateside. The nostril is elegant and wealthy with barley sugar, white peach, and buttery yeast rolls. A contact of lemon zest brightens issues a bit, changing into virtually pineapple because it opens within the glass. The palate is oily and filled with taste, starting with golden raisin and lemon merengue notes that develop into sweeter and juicier, virtually tinned peaches, because it evolves throughout the palate. It’s balanced with a hugging heat, and there’s additionally a beneficiant brown butter high quality at play that lingers into the end with fading notes of inexperienced apple and pear candies. One other really spectacular younger single malt. 114.2 proof. A / $100
Ardnamurchan The ArdnAmerica Tour Bottling
$100
