Ardmore has always been under my whisky radar. I’m not even sure I’ve ever tasted something from them before. Chances are I have, probably at a festival. But since I’m not the type of person who meticulously registers every whisky he drinks, I can’t say for sure. So this Ardmore 1996/2013 might just be the first ever expression I tried from that distillery.
Ardmore 1996/2013 (43%, Gordon & MacPhail)
Nose: Light, soft and round. Subtle sherry and an even subtler peat influence. Plums, brown sugar and a hint of soy sauce. Both sweet and savory.
Taste: Earthy peat smoke with soft spices and herbs. Black pepper and thyme. Charred oak and oranges. Nicely balanced.
Finish: Peat smoke lingers for a long time. As does the oak.
Rating: 85
A pleasant surprise. Very well balanced, and enough little intricacies to never get boring.
Sample provided by Gordon & MacPhail
