Ardmore Tradition
Single Malt
Ardmore // Highlands, Scotland
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PBMichiganWolverine
Reviewed March 3, 2017 (edited January 29, 2024)This reminded me a lot of HP12---I got the salty, briny, lightly peated aroma. I was surprised it's a Highlander, felt much more like an Islander. Maybe this distillery is located closer to the ocean? Anyway, the nose then carries through into the palette with citrus, smoked meats, and a bit more assertive on the peat. For $40-50 per liter, it hands down is a no-brainer buy, especially in a toss up between this and HP 12. A sample graciously provided by Paul M---thank you Paul! -
Generously_Paul
Reviewed February 23, 2017 (edited January 29, 2024)This NAS peated Highland malt is a travel retail exclusive. It's double matured, being finished in quarter casks. I don't know what style of casks are used for the initial maturation, but I would guess a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry and a mix between (mostly) American and European oak. It is 46% ABV and is non chill filtered. Artificial color is added unfortunately, making it a bright gold. Earthy peat smoke is the first thing that greets you on the nose. Lovely smoked meats (brisket or ham). Strong brown sugar/molasses. Raisins and dried figs and a light oak. After time in the glass a strong vanilla cream pops up along with toffee and caramel. Cardboard notes come in followed by floral honey. After that it kind of keeps switching between the smoked meats and musty cardboard. It shows its youth at times but also has some complexity to it. The palate brings nice mid levels of peat smoke. Rich soil, in a good way, and more of the smoked meats. A slightly malty character. Some vanilla and not much more than that, at least not that I could detect. Light oiliness in the mouthfeel that turns semi dry. The finish is medium long, smoky and semi sweet. I got this one at duty free and paid somewhere around $40 (maybe closer to $35) for a 1L bottle. Exceptional value/quality if I do say so. The smoked meat notes really reminded me of Ardbeg Corryvreckan, with much less complexity and intensity. The peat levels are somewhere between Lagavulin and HP, enough to excerpt itself but not enough to overpower your senses. I have to say this is my new favorite non Islay/island peated scotch. Cheers
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