I like Ardmore. Really, there’s something to be said for this interesting, smoky, sooty Highland whisky. It’s not really marketed as a single malt by its owner, Beam Suntory. However, it does pop up every now and again as an independently bottled single cask.
When it does, more often than not it is a middle aged ex-bourbon matured Ardmore. Or at least, it is in my experience. A heavily sherried Ardmore is uncommon. But the good folks over at Meadowside Blending (owners of The Maltman brand), found such a cask, even though it is very young. They decided to bottle it anyway, and I can’t fault them for it.
Ardmore 2010 7 Years Old (56,5%, The Maltman, C#3325)
Nose: Immediately very reminiscent of young, sherried Ledaig, but a little less coastal. Sweet barbecue notes, earthy peat and subtle cigar tobacco. Some plums and blackcurrants as well.
Taste: Hints of menthol and tobacco, and very warm and comfortable. Soot and campfire smoke, accompanied by meaty barbecue notes, as well as cherry syrup and roasted peppers. Adding water only makes it dryer, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Finish: Smoky sweetness. Long…
Rating: 87
Well-balanced and mature beyond its age, but that’s what peat and an active sherry cask will do to young distillate. While 60 euros may seem pricy for a 7 year old whisky, the quality of this whisky more than justifies its price.
Photo: Whiskybase
