Ardmore 10yo, 2010-2020, Whic, The War of the Peat VIII

ABV

62.7%

Region

Highlands

Bottling

Signatory Vintage for whic (Whiskycircle)

Cask type

Sherry Butt Finish (#1, 706 btl.)

Nose

Immediately wood smoke on the nose with a vanilla sweetness behind. In addition, discreet fruit notes of apricot with a touch of citrus as well as fine toffee with honey. In the background some peat notes with ash. The high alcohol content is noticeable but not pungent at all.

Palate

Strong start on the palate, yet sweet at first with lots of vanilla. Then spicy and warming notes of ginger, white pepper as well as a slight alcoholic spiciness, accompanied by discreet smoke, some ash and a subtle tobacco note in the background.

Finish

The finish is long lasting with sweet notes of honey, vanilla and sultanas. Accompanied by caramel and slightly dry cocoa, with ash tones towards the end.

With water

After adding water a little fresher on the nose with more citrus, but also more smoke. The vanilla sweetness and ginger spiciness remain. Still strong on the palate, but the sweetness is pushed into the background. More smoke, with grilled apricots, a hint of sultanas and a subtle tobacco note. The finish is still long with honey, slightly bitter espresso notes as well as dry ash towards the end.

Comments

A powerful and intense Ardmore with lots of vanilla, fruit and sweet-looking smoke. The influence of the sherry cask is subtle and leaves room for yellow fruity notes and sweet honey. The alcohol is already very well integrated. All in all, a delicious dram that can also tolerate a few drops of water, but this is not absolutely necessary.

I thank whic (Whiskycircle) for the complimentary sample and the image!