Well-matured Ardmore that’s been matured in refill ex-bourbon hogshead.
Nose: Well-matured yellow fruits – pears, mangos and melon with plenty of bright orange juice and a lovely lemon-y polish. Citrus peels and white chocolate mingle with inland smoke from leaves, ferns and bracken. Water adds dried fruits – mangos and apricots whilst also expressed cask char, vanilla and toffee.
Taste: Bright and vibrant with lemon balm, mango slices, guava and pineapple chunks. This sits atop gentle, but perceptible mainland peat smoke – singed logs, smouldering moss, leafy greens and a touch of felt. The back-palate offers sharpness with lime zest and hints of chalky minerality. Quite lovely. Reduction adds an incredible amount of juicy fruitiness – fresh orchards and tropical bathed in syrup.
Finish: Long with polished panelled wood, ground coffee beans, lime juice and a pinch of salt.
Wonderfully balanced Ardmore which shows off the distillate’s ability to be poised no matter the age statement. This isn’t the most complicated of beasts, but it’s nevertheless a joy to drink - animated fruitiness, well-composed smoke and excellent cask integration. Recommended.