inchmurrin ardmore sideburn decadent drams review

Inchmurrin / Ardmore / Sideburn (Decadent Drams)

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 decadent drams review

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.

Conclusion
Like, just an exemplary older Speyside whisky, full of waxes and with delicious fruity notes. Utterly drinkable, this almost goes down too easy.
9

inchmurrin 2012 12 years decadent drams

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.

Conclusion
If you’re into tropical fruit at all, this Inchmurrin from Decadent Drams is a can’t miss whisky. Granted, this kind of profile is 100 per cent up my alley, but even still.
8.9

ardmore 2009 15 years decadent drams review

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.

Conclusion
Pure, naked and relatively mature Ardmore. Really good, but for me these vintages never quite reach the same level of excellence as those from the late 1990s. Maybe in time they will. I sure hope so.
8.7

Samples provided by Decadent Drinks

Power your creative ideas with pixel-perfect design and cutting-edge technology. Create your beautiful website with Zeen now.