This Ardmore 15 year was the big winner of Rob Martin Whisky Day... Ardmore is generally known as the main whisky in the blended Teacher's Highland Cream, but has also been known for some single malt offerings, including some real gems from independent bottlers. This version is ex-bourbon cask and bottled at a brisk 51.5%.
Nose: Surprisingly wine-like - fragrant, a little sour, a little astringent, floral, grapes, malt, some vanilla, hints of smoke and peat (not strong), leathery. Opens over time.
Mouthfeel: Thick, viscous.
Palate: Diverges a bit from the nose - less wine and more ex-bourbon. Char, light smoke, vanilla, leather, heavy malt, but very smooth! No hint of alcohol burn. The taste also carries forward the floral note, but I can't identify it clearly. Very clearly a middle-aged ex-bourbon cask strength bottling, it has all the hallmarks, but a few nice wisps and angles of its own.
Finish: Char and vanilla and peppery tannins all slowly fade until only a light smoke element remains. Nice.
Verdict: I really liked this, despite the fairly lackluster reviews on the net. But I'm a big Ardmore fan anyway, from their old Traditional Cask days. Whatever flavor profile they are bringing, it matches up for me. This was a nice, smooth, and flavorful dram that was expertly balanced - a little flowerly, a little malty, a little asstringent, a little sweet. Worthwhile.
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