A small independent bottler from Glasgow, this is the second time Glaschu Spirits Co. features on these pages. This time I’ll review two 9-year-old single malts, one from Aultmore and the the other from Ardmore (its unpeated spirit dubbed Ardlair).
If you’d like to read up about Glaschu Spirits Co., check out my first post on them. As far as Aultmore, I’ve not reviewed this Speyside distillery’s spirit often. I’m more familiar with Ardmore, yet this will be my first time tasting the distillery’s unpeated malt whisky. So, if not uncharted, we can at least agree these whiskies are fairly unknown territory for me.
Finally, the Aultmore spent its final 13 months in three ex-Madeira wine octaves. The Ardlair also received a little extra treatment, maturing its last 16 months in a first-fill Saint Emilion red wine barrique.
Aultmore 2013 9 Years (50%, Glaschu Spirits Co., 2023)
Nose: A good amount of oak with jammy apricots, whiffs of clove, a sliver of honey and some white peaches. Also a touch of peanut skins, sunflower oil, mead and just a small teaspoon of mustard.
Taste: Decent viscosity. Some sultanas accompanied by orange zest, walnuts and white pepper. Also a musky earthiness, vanilla custard and chili dark chocolate.
Finish: Medium length. Damp oak with good amount of spice, hazelnuts and some golden syrup.
Ardlair 2014 9 Years (50%, Glaschu Spirits Co., 2023)
Nose: Immediately, the red wine is strong in this one. Curiously fizzy almost. Hints of strawberries, raspberries and cherries. A whisper of charred oak too, alongside some blood orange and snapped twigs. But really, it’s all about the St Emilion.
Taste: Somewhat sticky, almost cloying. Slightly dry (oak tannins), while the berries and kirsch liqueur are omnipresent. Then a whisper of spices (cloves, but nutmeg too) and some milk chocolate.
Finish: Medium length with red fruits taking centre stage.
Samples provided by SPIRITS.services
