Bottler: Signatory, Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland, UK
Region: Highlands
Style: Peated single malt whisky.
Age: 8 y/o
Notes: Distilled: 10/22/09, bottled: 7/17/18, bourbon barrel cask, cask #706320, bottle 117/247.
ABV: 59.2% (cask strength).
Price: $94 (Vine and Table exclusive)
Appearance: Light straw.
Nose: Smoky peat, alcohol, sweet malt. With water: Still potent. Tobacco smoke, baked pie crust.
Palate: Full-bodied. Butterscotch, ash, burn. With water: sweeter and creamier. Vanilla icing, smoky dark chocolate.
Finish: Peaty and dry. With water: tamer, but still peaty.
Parting words: I bought this Scotch last year when I was in Indianapolis visiting family. I was looking for a sweet, creamy single malt to sit alongside a smoky one I had open already. This 8 y/o Ardmore was not that, but that’s been more than ok!
I wouldn’t call this Ardmore balanced, but it does have more going on than just peat smoke. There’s a creamy, desserty background to it that comes out with a healthy splash of water.
If I had paid $60 or $70 for this, I would be happy and it would earn a full recommendation. For $94, I expect more, though. More age, more complexity, something more than this.
Signatory Vintage, Ardmore 2009, Vine & Table selection is mildly recommended.
Sipology 