Ardmore Traditional Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

70cl / 46% / Distillery Bottling - A young peated Speysider from the excellent Ardmore distillery, this has been finished in quarter casks to speed up maturation. Gold Medal in its category at the World Whisky Awards 2010. Read more...
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Founded in 1898 by one of Scotland's most famous whisky families. Ardmore Single Malt has a long commitment to quality. Ardmore have an unshakable belief in traditional distilling methods and insist that Ardmore Traditional Cask uses the aromatic smoke from natural, Highland peat fires to dry our malted barley. Sadly today, the high cost of this procedure has meant that now only one Highland distillery still routinely fully peats its standard malt. Ardmore is rightly proud to be that distillery. Our traditional methods also extend to the maturation. Ardmore Traditional Cask is double matured, first in the more usual oak barrels, and then in much smaller Quarter Casks, delivering a unique smoothness to our whisky. These were in common use in the 19th century, but are too costly for most distillers to use today. Finally, bottled at 46% ABV, Ardmore is only barrier rather than chill filtered thus preserving all the natural flavours. These methods, combined, create a uniquely complex and rewarding single malt whisky. Colour: Burnished Gold Nose: At bottle strength the influence of the two styles of maturation casks compliment each other producing a full bodied smooth aroma. The maturity that shows through comes from the American barrels and the spicy creamy nose from the old style smaller casks. A touch of water allows the full complexity of the Highland Peated Malt to appear. The rich softness linked with smooth, slightly dry aroma is combined with just enough earthy peat smoke to avoid being overpowering. Palate: At bottle strength the full rich flavours burst and fill the mouth with a creamy peat tang and a touch of vanillas soft gentleness. If a touch of water is added then the flavours increase with the addition of a sweet ripe fruit start followed by the tang of peat. Finish: Full, succulent and quite long.
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