If you’re a fan of Ardmore and its distinctive peated Highland profile, this single re-charred hogshead is your holy grail – it’s easily the finest Ardmore expression I’ve ever had, at any rate. The deep, dark gold color introduces a nose that’s shy at first and stays very understated and graceful throughout. With a few minutes of air, the fun begins as iodine and lemon spritz aromas ride a wave of super-fine, precise minerality that forms the backbone of this stunningly beautiful bouquet. It’s not big or particularly intense, but it’s nonetheless insanely complex. The best comparison I could come up with is a great, mature Alsace Grand Cru Riesling, like Clos St-Hune or one of its peers – singular in ever way. Incredibly elegant notes of sea breeze, candied ginger, and spring pea shoots come in succession, along with an achingly gorgeous, perfumed freshness like a green meadow before and after a thunderstorm, right down to the ozone. The nose finally fills out with sweet breakfast pastry, lemon custard, and a subtle but persistent honeyed undertone. The incredibly lively, vibrant palate is masterpiece of balance and precision, with flavors of white pepper, lemon oil, and a strident mineral undercurrent. It boasts one of the most finessed smoke profiles I’ve encountered in a long time, with very fine, clearly defined gun smoke and flint, along with the cool ashes of an extinguished fire. The exceptionally graceful mid-palate carries caramel, brown sugar, and burnt…something, and the finish is just extraordinary – long, gradual, perfectly balanced heat for more than a minute, with high-toned sea spray and steely minerality. Mark my words, once you try this dangerously beautiful (and dangerously drinkable) showstopper, you will pour a second dram, and probably a third.
97 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Nov 2025)
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