The Ardnahoe Infinite Loch is here. It’s the first core range expression from this Islay distillery, matured in first-fill bourbon and first-fill Oloroso sherry casks. The distillery’s inaugural release earlier this year received much praise – hopefully they can follow that up with another strong showing.
The release of a first-ever core range expression is arguably a much bigger deal than an inaugural release. Of course, you can only make a first impression once. A cliche, but for a good reason. Yet that core range is what really establishes a benchmark for your distillery going forward. And if it where me, I would like to set a pretty high one.
It doesn’t even feel that long ago since the Ardnahoe Inaugural Release was launched, but it’s been almost six months. (A little less since my review.) Purely looking at the specs there doesn’t seem to be that big a difference between the Ardnahoe Infinite Loch and the earlier inaugural release. It’s bottled at the same strength, of course without chill-filtering and without colouring.
But the Infinite Loch might just be tad younger. There’s no age statement, while we know its predecessor was 5 years old. The cask types seem similar too, both ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The difference is only first-fill casks are used for the Ardnahoe Infinite Loch, yet there’s no such mention for the inaugural release.
Ardnahoe Infinite Loch (50%, OB, 2024)
Nose: Big coastal notes – seaspray and dried seaweed come to mind. But among the notes of charred embers, grilled beef and smoked paprika powder is also room for gentle citrus fruits. Think orange peels, but then accompanied by a vegetal touch. Finally some touches of cocoa powder, chalk and cracked peppercorns.
Taste: Oily mouthfeel and admirable arrival. Quite sooty while also highlighting peaty barley husks, draff and rauchbier. Also strong notes of bonfire, a pinch of white pepper, smoked oysters and sauerkraut. Just a sliver of fennel and grapefruit too.
Finish: Medium length. Slightly dry, a hit of vanilla, salt and lingering bonfire notes, as well as something slightly fermenty.
Photos: Brühler Whiskyhaus and Ardnahoe Distillery
