Inchmurrin, Ardmore AND a (teaspooned) Balvenie? You’ve got my attention, Decadent Drinks.
Ever since wrapping up the Whisky Sponge series, Decadent Drinks haven’t slowed down one bit. The Whiskyland range is going from strength to strength. (Which reminds me that I’ve got quite a few of those left to review.) The Equinox & Solstice series continues to bring us relatively affordable whiskies. And the Decadent Drams releases are just an embarrassment of interesting malts.
The three Decadent Drams I’m reviewing today are all still available through Decadent Drinks and other retailers. The Inchmurrin is a fruit bomb from a second-fill barrel, the Sideburn a multi-vintage small batch release from a refill and first-fill barrel, while the Ardmore matured in “dead wood” – a refill barrel first and then a finish in a “knackered old refill butt for the final two years of its maturation.”
Sideburn 31 Years (53.6%, Decadent Drams, 2025)
Nose: Light, delicate and full of fruity deliciousness. There’s a sliver of waxiness, nothing too distinct but noticeable nonetheless, as well as hints of heather honey and yellow fruits. Mainly underripe banana, but also pineapple, and then some spring-like floral notes to finish.
Taste: A pleasantly waxy mouthfeel with a small pinch of white pepper, but also more of that heather honey, some light citrus notes and Werther’s Original, as well as dried apricots AND dried pineapple. Just a touch of breakfast cereals in the background.
Finish: Medium length. Light spices, luscious fruits and a delightful waxiness.
Inchmurrin 2012 12 Years (57.1%, Decadent Drams, 2025)
Nose: Bright and intens, just how I like my Inchmurrin. Think papaya, pink grapefruit, tinned pineapple and mango. Also a slight leafy hint as well as a touch of gorse, then maybe some light notes of vanilla custard and a whisper of creamy rice pudding.
Taste: Proper creamy texture. Again, just an explosion of tropical fruit. Zesty, exotic and vibrant. Also a sprinkle of white pepper and maybe some chalk as well. Spot on.
Finish: Long(er than expected). Citrus fruits, tropical notes and gentle hints of lawn clippings.
Ardmore 2009 15 Years (53%, Decadent Drams, 2025)
Nose: Some immediate hints of peaty wash, as well as touches of silage, sauerkraut and briny olive oil. There’s a sliver of cured lemons too, followed by anchovies and melted butter. Finally charcoal and hemp ropes.
Taste: Pretty feisty but with an oily texture. First roasted peanut skin, tobacco and tar alongside a gentle medicinal side. Some charred lemons too, accompanied by dry hay, green olives and gentle herbs.
Finish: Medium to long. Relatively gentle peat smoke, a hint of char as well as some pepperiness.
Samples provided by Decadent Drinks
