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concert_goer) wrote2025-02-11 06:32 pm
concert_goer) wrote2025-02-11 06:32 pm
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Ardnamurchan AD/10YO tasting notes
Ardnamurchan AD/10YO OB 70cl 50% ABV
10th Anniversary series
Distilled 2014, bottled September 3, 2024
A mix of 58 American standard ex-Bourbon barrels and 2 butts (all unpeated), 32 of which were subsequently finished for over one year in Paul Launois Champagne barriques
Bottle 939/16,746
Color: pale gold.
Nose: pineapples, wax, praline candies, vanilla, rye bread, meringue cookies, sweet yellow apples, garlic, lemon pie, unripe bananas, cocoa, grassy notes, melon, hay, and subtle hints of sliced tri-tip steak. Delicately fruity.
Taste: pears, wax, honey, lemons, meringue cookies, chocolate, candies, a touch of pepper, peaches, apricots, and lime. Smooth and well-balanced, though feeling somewhat lightweight. Rather sweet.
Finish: mint candies, honey, pears, more prominent black pepper, lime, caramel, vanilla, chocolate, peaches, and a touch of salt.
Score: 8 ½. Good. +2+1+1.
Conclusion: a well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable Ardnamurchan — congratulations on the 10th anniversary! However, the whisky's texture leans a bit too light, and the choice of Champagne (Chardonnay) barriques for finishing feels somewhat odd. I can't help but think that sherry or red wine casks would have added greater depth. I also find myself longing for a touch of peat, as their peated expressions truly shine. That said, Ardnamurchan remains the most exciting new Scottish Highland distillery in my book. 85/100.
10th Anniversary series
Distilled 2014, bottled September 3, 2024
A mix of 58 American standard ex-Bourbon barrels and 2 butts (all unpeated), 32 of which were subsequently finished for over one year in Paul Launois Champagne barriques
Bottle 939/16,746
Color: pale gold.
Nose: pineapples, wax, praline candies, vanilla, rye bread, meringue cookies, sweet yellow apples, garlic, lemon pie, unripe bananas, cocoa, grassy notes, melon, hay, and subtle hints of sliced tri-tip steak. Delicately fruity.
Taste: pears, wax, honey, lemons, meringue cookies, chocolate, candies, a touch of pepper, peaches, apricots, and lime. Smooth and well-balanced, though feeling somewhat lightweight. Rather sweet.
Finish: mint candies, honey, pears, more prominent black pepper, lime, caramel, vanilla, chocolate, peaches, and a touch of salt.
Score: 8 ½. Good. +2+1+1.
Conclusion: a well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable Ardnamurchan — congratulations on the 10th anniversary! However, the whisky's texture leans a bit too light, and the choice of Champagne (Chardonnay) barriques for finishing feels somewhat odd. I can't help but think that sherry or red wine casks would have added greater depth. I also find myself longing for a touch of peat, as their peated expressions truly shine. That said, Ardnamurchan remains the most exciting new Scottish Highland distillery in my book. 85/100.