Review #113 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 59.7% Comments: aged 13 years, matured in a 2nd-fill bourbon barrel Appearance (no score): Golden straw color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Light sooty smoke, glazed ham, burnt pie crust, honey, salty brine, a little vanilla, and a hint of asphalt. Not overly complex but still compelling and it comes together nicely. Palate: 35/40 Slightly oily mouthfeel. It’s ever so subtly sweet, grilled ham steaks intermingled with salted caramel, warm Pillsbury biscuits with burnt bottoms that have stuck to the baking sheet, and bit of oak spice. Finish: 36/40 Long finish. It’s a little hot on the onset, with burnt toast and salted mixed nuts to start. As the heat fades it leaves behind ashes and black pepper, then becoming a bit meatier with peppered bacon and lemon zest. Gradually it becomes increasingly dry and ends with more ashes on the tongue. With Water: A few drops of water only slightly muted the peat smoke on the nose. The largest transformation is to the palate, where it takes on a more creamy mouthfeel. It also adds a hint of licorice towards the end of the finish. Total: 87/100 Final thoughts: Ardmore is one of the few remaining distilleries that I feel produces good spirit which seems to fly under the radar and can be found at relatively good values. Admittedly I paid the standard SMWS premium for this one, but I enjoyed that they didn’t feel obligated to do one of their customary sherry finishes here. I’d imagine maturation in a 2nd-fill barrel helps to maintain the initial flavor profile of the distillate, and it’s been fun to explore that here. I was surprised by the level of consistency throughout, as I’m reading it through again I can’t help but note that some type of pork and burnt baked goods appeared in every stage of my review. Not that this is a bad thing, just uncommon. Overall this is a great bottle that I’m very happy to have procured. Price: $155 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.