During my recent holiday in the UK, I had the chance to try some intriguing whiskies. While visiting the Loch Lomond distillery was a highlight, my brother-in-law also treated us to some interesting expressions from his personal collection. One of the standouts was the Ardnamurchan AD single malt whisky from the Scottish West Highlands.
Ardnamurchan Distillery is relatively new, having been completed in 2014 by Adelphi. It’s located on the Ardnamurchan peninsula and is considered one of the most remote distilleries in Scotland. The distillery released its first official whisky in 2017. Adelphi is an independent bottler of cask strengh whisky.
A key aspect of Ardnamurchan’s operations is their commitment to sustainability. The distillery aims for a light carbon footprint, with all power and heat requirements coming from local renewable sources.
The river that supplies cooling water also drives a hydroelectric generator, solar panels contribute energy, and a biomass boiler fueled by local forestry wood chips provides heating.
The Ardnamurchan AD single malt Scotch whisky is part of the distillery’s core range, with several limited releases and single cask bottlings available. The AD expression is made from a blend of 50% peated and 50% unpeated malt, matured in bourbon and sherry casks.
Like all Ardnamurchan whiskies, it is non-chill filtered and retains its natural colour. This release does not carry an age statement (NAS).
Also Read: Loch Lomond Steam and Fire Whisky
ABV: 46.8%
COLOUR: Gold
REGION: Highlands
NOSE: This whisky offers a unique combination of aromas. It starts with orchard fruits dusted with sea salt, followed by notes of sea breeze, pine trees, peat, and smoke. There’s also a hint of dark chocolate, a creamy undertone, cinnamon, and toasted wood. Something green lingers faintly in the background.
PALATE: Tasting Ardnamurchan AD feels like enjoying a fruit salad in a wooden bowl on the beach by a bonfire. Red apples and guava are drizzled with Greek yoghurt and honey alongside toasted nuts. Smoky bonfire notes blend with soft peat and salt, with oak, vanilla, and nutmeg adding complexity.
There’s also a touch of seaweed. Adding a few drops of water helps mellow the alcohol heat, bringing out more rich oak and adding a hint of chilli pepper.
FINISH: The finish is medium length, with lingering notes of smoke, drying oak, dried lemon peel, and a touch of pepper heat.
RATING: EXCELLENT
The Ardnamurchan AD is a delightful single malt. Despite being a non-age statement whisky, it’s creamy and smooth with a fascinating mix of flavours. The interplay of salty, fruity, peaty notes, and a peppery bite makes it an enjoyable and distinctive whisky. A lovely glass indeed. It’s a delicious and complex whisky, but perhaps not ideal for a first-time whisky drinker.
A special thank you to Ivan for sharing this whisky with us. It was much appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed.
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