Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 Old Malt Cask Hunter Laing

Foamy, my good friend Bart A, recently put this sample in my hands. It’s an Ardmore that was bottled some 5 years ago on Hunter Laing’s Old Malt Cask series.

Oh, what a delicious, bright and fruity nose. White fruit, mostly. Pears, young apples, gooseberries, white berries. Presented on a tile of sleet. Upholstered with some vanilla, banana, liquorice, a hint of eucalyptus, pebbles and a very subtle trace of smoke. This is a very elegant Ardmore.

Oily and sweet upon arrival, but then the peat explodes on the palate. Turns very peaty and it’s becoming. The fruit might be flooded by barley sugar and honey, but is also sprinkled with loads of pepper. Very spicy and warm without losing any of the brightness. Very good. From the second sip forward – once your taste buds have put out the peaty and peppery fire – some gooseberries and white grapefruit appear, making it slightly sweet and sour. It works wonders and is well balanced.

The finish is medium long on more citrus and soft smoke, while a rather earthy note as if from play-doh appears at the death.

Hurray, my 35th Ardmore is a stunner. Thanks, Bart!