Ardnamurchan Spirit 2016

It is going to be a while before we get a single malt from this Highland distillery, but like many new players, they also released some of their spirit. On the one hand it enables us to sample something from Ardnamurchan already, on the other hand it provides them with much needed funds. This Limited Release No 1, spirit from 2015 bottled in 2016, is sherry matured. Both oloroso and PX casks were used.

The nose shows those were very active casks indeed. It is very sweet, aromatic and round and at first reminds me a bit of Madeira. Lots of honey, some candle wax, lovely woodsmoke and even a bit of salt in the back. After a few moments, it turns quite fruity. Berries, peach, pears. Some nuts and caramel shine through. And in the back, albeit quite subtle, is a fantastic trace of peat.

The influence of the casks is also unmistakable on the palate. But it has to be said: you first get an uppercut from both woody spices and the peat. Your mouth will be aflame. And then the soothing sherry notes kick in. Surprisingly salty, though. But impressively complex for such a young spirit. This is going in the right direction!

The medium long finish, which shows great balance between sweet, salt, smoke and bitterness, leaves the mouth parched at the death.

Impressive, I must say. Adelphi clearly invested in very good casks. Fill those up with good spirit and you’ll soon be rewarded with a great whisky.