Signatory Vintage Ardmore 12 Year Old 2012 - 100 Proof Edition #21- 57.1%

 

This small batch 12-year-old Ardmore 2012 was matured in second fill bourbon barrels that previously held an Islay single malt whisky, coded as (LA).

Tasting notes:

Appearance: The colour of an oak aged Chardonnay, forms a thin line which falls slowly as thick, oily legs

Nose: Mildly phenolic peat, ashy smoke, lemon citrus and Pastéis de nata.

Palate: Moderately oily, bonfire smoke, lightly phenolic, nutty oak, a touch of caramel, cinnamon and black pepper bring spicy warmth. A drop of water brings creaminess to the mouthfeel, together with a little more nuttiness and medicinal phenol, at the expense of some of the spice.

Finish: Ashy smoke returns and lingers, long after the mild nuttiness and oak spice dissipate. With a little water the finish becomes sweeter and more phenolic.

Overall: I have a bit of a soft spot for Ardmore, so I was really looking forward to cracking this one open. It’s a pleasant dram, although a little one dimensional when taken neat. However, the addition of a small amount of water brings out more of that typically Islay phenolic (Laphroaig?) character and takes it up a notch or two.

This is another really enjoyable whisky from this Signatory range, and at the price of a little under £50, fits perfectly in the daily drinker category.