Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 57.7%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Adelphi Distillery Ltd.
Average price: € 90.00
Official website: www.adelphidistillery.com
Annual release in the 2025 version, thus the third since 2022, released mid-year with a maturation of 90% in ex-bourbon casks and the remaining in ex-sherry oloroso and PX, starting from 87% peated barley of two vintages, 2016 and 2017.
Tasting Notes
Smoky tones between the vegetal and balsamic on the nose, a blend of aromatic herbs and roasted pine needles on gingerbread, marzipan, candied (pineapple, orange) and fresh fruits (apple, peach, cedar), meringues, and salted caramel. A slight note of nutmeg. In the background, pastry cream, white chocolate, sweet licorice, and chalk. Over time, the peat acquires briny nuances while maintaining a forest-like spirit. The interplay between sweet notes and smoky streaks is delightful.
In the mouth, spices (black pepper, nutmeg, anise, and plenty of ginger) rise up on a good creaminess that enhances the vegetal and briny aspects of the peat, while the fruity and pastry side becomes weaker, embedded in a bitter vein of nuts and licorice root. Tea leaves, sandalwood, and a hint of incense emerge at the back of the palate, with an accentuated salinity in length. Less sweet than on the nose, but with more character and vigor, almost proud in its roughness and bitterness. Iodine on the finish…
…which continues the line in drinking, between bitter tones and vegetal smoke with iodized and saline inflections, with a background of fruit and pastries expressed in citrus and dark chocolate tones.
Review: A no-compromise whisky, direct and sharp, demanding in tasting but offering great satisfaction if one accepts the rules of the game. Ardnamurchan confirms to be a solid distillery full of personality.
Vote: 89/100