Ardmore 30 - 47.2%

 

A peated, highland single malt from Ardmore, distilled in 1987 and bottled in 2018. Initially allowed to mature in refill ex-Bourbon barrels before being finished in first fill ex-bourbon and bottled at 47.2% ABV. Only 1428 bottles were released.

Tasting notes: 

Appearance: Honey gold, forms a thick line which gradually breaks and falls as thick, oily legs.

Nose: Ripe pears and tropical fruit followed by a slightly dirty smokiness, touching on industrial but predominantly vegetal, like burning stubble in the field. 

Palate: A luxurious, oily mouthfeel. Sweet Red apples, caramel sauce, pineapple and mango at first before the peat comes to the fore, soft and vegetal in character rather than medicinal. Along with the peat smoke comes heather honey, mocha coffee with a shot of vanilla syrup, together with damp Autumn woodland floors.

Finish: Soft but lingering, the vegetal peat smoke now bordering on herbal together with sweet vanilla and a touch of stewed fruits.

Summary: This 30-year-old Ardmore is a beautifully put together whisky, quietly complex and elegant. One of those whiskies you can sit and contemplate for hours, exploring and admiring all the subtle nuances. The balance between cask and spirit is immaculate, a glorious harmony where notes are allowed to play an equal role and the peat smoke acts as a warm, comforting blanket around them. Superb.

A huge thanks goes to Paul @pswhisky for the opportunity to try some incredible whiskies on this tasting session. If you’re not already following him on Twitter, I would highly recommend it together with checking out his website.