Description

Ardmore 12 Years Old Port Wood Finish Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 1000ml           ABV: 46%           Age: 12 Years Old          Country: Scotland

The Ardmore distillery was first built in 1899 by William Teacher and Sons and changed hands in 1976 when it was taken over by Allied Brewers which are now more commonly known as Allied Distillers. The current owners Fortune Brands Inc produce around 5,100,000 litres of malt whisky per year and this is a major contributor to Teacher’s Highland Cream which is very fitting as they were the original owners. The distillery is based in Kennethmont which is a beautiful village north west of Aberdeenshire south of Huntly in Scotland’s Highland region. Expect a zesty single malt whisky full of citrus fruits and a little peat smoke. A lingering mouth feel that just keeps on giving.

This expression is a 12 year old whisky. This means the youngest whisky in the bottle has been matured for at least 12 years. The “Port Wood” aspect refers to its unique maturation process, which involves two types of casks. Ex-Bourbon American White Oak Barrels, the whisky initially matures in these casks, which impart classic vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak notes, providing a solid foundation for the spirit. European Half Port Pipes (or Port Casks), after the initial maturation, the whisky undergoes a “finish” in port wine casks. These casks, previously used to mature port wine, contribute rich fruitiness, sweetness, and often a reddish or ruby-gold hue to the whisky. Bottled at a robust 46% alc/vol. This higher alcohol content, compared to many standard bottlings, helps preserve more of the whisky’s natural flavours and body. Ardmore Port Wood is non-chill filtered. This means the whisky isn’t cooled down and filtered before bottling, which prevents the natural oils and fatty acids (which contribute to flavour and mouthfeel) from becoming cloudy and being removed. This often results in a richer, fuller texture.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Expect a harmonious blend of smoky and peaty notes (Ardmore’s signature gentle smoke) with pronounced fruity aromas. Red berries (strawberries, raspberries), plums and dried fruits (raisins), honey and vanilla sweetness with a subtle hint of pepper or cinnamon spice. Perhaps a touch of burnt orange or toasted nuts.

Palate: Full bodied and well balanced. The fruity sweetness from the port casks shines through, alongside the gentle, earthy peat.  Sweet red apple and honey, candied fruit, with a slight tartness, charcoal smoke or subtle peat. Notes of oak, and a touch of spice (ginger, cinnamon).

Finish: Long, warm, and satisfying. Lingering fruity sweetness, a pleasant, gentle smoky oak spice then Ardmore’s trademark dryness at the very end.

Overall Impression:

The Ardmore Port Wood is highly regarded for its ability to beautifully integrate the distillery’s peated character with the rich, sweet, and fruity influence of port wine casks. It’s a well-rounded and approachable peated whisky that offers a different experience from the more intensely peated whiskies of Islay. It’s often recommended for those who enjoy a touch of smoke but also appreciate complexity, sweetness, and a vibrant fruitiness in their dram. It’s best enjoyed neat or with a tiny drop of water to open up its aromas.