The third release of Ardnamurchan was released last week. In the Netherlands at least. Of course, the shops that had it first sold out instantly, and by the end of the week the rush was already over and it’s available almost everywhere.
I had to get a bottle for a taste for myself, and the rest for sharing. As far as new distilleries go, Ardnamurchan is both affordable, and high quality. And, maybe another important factor, is that they release in a schedule that one can keep up with, unlike some others (looking at you, Waterford!)
So, the share went well. I only kept 6cl for myself and tried it yesterday. Let’s be quick, for a change!
Some more information, this release is made up of 65% ex-bourbon casks, and 35% ex-sherry casks
Sniff:
Rich and old fashioned. It’s a bit Benromach-like, in a way. Wet oak, hessian, hay, some woody sherry too. Cinnamon, nutmeg, stewed strawberries. Dried fruit, like plums and dates too.
Sip:
Slightly dry, some bite but it’s not hot. Black pepper, oak, sawdust. Dried fruit, plum stones. Some apple crispiness too.
Swallow:
The finish is gentle, fruity with dried fruits, plums, dates, almonds, dark cherries. All gentle, with a bit of coconut husk, and oak and tree bark.
It’s a weird jumble of flavors, but it’s strangely tasty. It’s got flavors from all over the spectrum, but it kind of works.
Of course, what it lacks in maturity, it’s very young after all, it makes up for in complexity. Weirdly so, because it does something from all cask types that are used. The sherry casks are a bit stronger than the bourbon ones though.
But, all in all, this is a very tasty whisky that brings much more to the table than it’s age, or it’s price tag would suggest! Highly recommended.
87/100
Malt Fascination 