Ardmore 2000/2015 14 Year old The Golden Cask

Ardmore distillery is located in the far South-East of Speyside, at the edge of the Grampian mountains. The name Ardmore apparently derives from the Gaelic 'Ard moi' meaning 'Big Slope', a reference to the undulations of Aberdeenshire where the distillery stands. It was built in 1898 by Adam Teacher, son of William. Even today, most of the whisky the distillery produces is reserved for the Teacher's blends. This particular expression was distilled in 2000 and matured exclusively in ex-bourbon hogsheads. It was then bottled in 2015 as a 14-year old from cask no. CM217 by The Golden Cask, a single cask series bottled by independent bottler Cumbrae Supply - House of Macduff. The total output was 178 bottles.

The nose starts with very malty flavours, followed by notes of wood chippings and light, almost subdued smoke. Later on the nose opens up and releases flavours of oranges, pears, and honey, followed by a touch of pineapple.

The palate is medium-bodied and spicy. At first there is a fierce alcohol attack but it calms down quickly to release flavours of coconuts, lemons, vanila and liquorice. The light smoke is still there and continues to keep a low profile.

The finish is of medium length and pleasantly warming but rather peppery. There now is a good dose of wood spice, while the smoke has changed from light to campfire style.

This is a complex malt that starts with a sweet and fruity nose, only to continue with an austere palate and end on a spicy and woody note. Quite challenging but multifaceted and ultimately rewarding.

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