Ardnamurchan Cask Sample 2017

My buddy Marcel is one of the lucky few (?) that purchased a cask of Ardnamurchan. He travels to Scotland from time to time to taste a sample. Contrary to the two official releases of spirit so far, Marcel’s Ardnamurchan matures on a bourbon cask. This sample, from cask #186, was distilled in 2017 and drawn in April 2018. Very young and equally pale. But I am curious. I expect more distillery character because of the bourbon cask and the age. Let’s give it a go.

The nose is very clean and creamy at the same time. Lots of citrus notes. Fresh lime and candied lemon peel. Vanilla galore. Green garden herbs and some marzipan. Gooseberries with a hint of kiwi. Very bright, if you ask me. Lovely. And the fact that you can actually still smell the new make is a plus in my book.

On the palate, the new make is unmistakable. Cooked vegetables, barley sugars, grain and yeast. Quinine? Pears? Underneath that the citrus and vanilla notes return, but – contrary to the official releases (although those were clearly on hyperactive sherry casks) – clearly very, very young. I do not mind at all. It is public knowledge that I have a soft spot for new make. This spirit only kissed the wood for several months. I find this to be surprisingly sweet and feisty and waxy!

The finish is very long and creamy, with some liquorice and lots of spices that linger.

Marcel, what do I have to do to get my hands on a part of this cask once it’s going to be bottled? I like this very, very much!