2009 Ardmore (Peated) 14 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Notes

Here's a fabulous follow-up to the exceptionally good 25-year-old unpeated Ardmore that we featured in last year's Whisky Season. This much for typical Ardmore was peated to the usual medium level of around 14 ppm. Of course, this is using highland peat sourced from terrestrial vegetation rather than the Islay peat which is composed of ocean vegetation. Filled into a high-quality 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel in July of 2009, it was bottled at cask strength of 57% abv without the use of coloring or chillfiltration. The resulting whisky is extremely expressive and pungent, offering a nose of expressive earthy heather, sweet fresh peat, ripe orchard fruit and tangy red berries. The contrast between sweet and smokey is impressive and stupendously inviting, and the dichotomy continues on the palate with rich orchard compote and sweet strawberry jam seemingly roasting over an open peat fire. It's complex and inviting with an openness that's surprising given the complexity. The finish is long and layered, with the sweet peat smoke taking center stage around a chorus line of vibrant malt. If this were any other bottler, it would easily command 2-3 times the price, but since we're buying directly here, we're able to offer this exceptional highland peater for an unbelievable price. Don't wait on this one though, once the fiends start in on it - there's no way it lasts.