Description

Ardmore Aged 11 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Cadenhead Original Collection (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 46%           Age: 11 Years Old            Country: Scotland

Date of Bottling: 2012
Matured In: Ruby Port Casks
Un-Chillfiltered, No added colour

Ardmore Distillery is located in Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire, in the Highland region of Scotland, near the River Deveron. It takes its name from the Gaelic “Ard-mor,” meaning “big height.” The distillery was established in 1898 by Adam Teacher, son of William Teacher, specifically to provide a consistent supply of peated malt for the highly popular Teacher’s Highland Cream blended Scotch whisky. For decades, Ardmore was one of the very few Highland distilleries to consistently produce a peated spirit. It was also one of the last distilleries in Scotland to use traditional coal fires under its stills until 2001, a practice believed to contribute to a heavier, oilier spirit. It is now part of the Beam Suntory portfolio.

Wm. Cadenhead’s is Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, founded in 1842 in Aberdeen by George Duncan, and soon after acquired by William Cadenhead. The company is now owned by J. & A. Mitchell and Co. of Campbeltown, sharing heritage with Springbank Distillery.

This 11-year-old expression, part of their Original Collection, allows the distillery’s distinctive peated Highland spirit to shine, here beautifully enhanced by its specific cask influence. Distilled in 2012, this bottling is an excellent representation of Ardmore’s style, showcasing its robust, smoky, and often subtly sweet character, now with vibrant red fruit notes from its maturation. This particular release was Ruby Port Cask Matured, imparting a rich, fruity, and slightly spicy dimension to the peated spirit. Bottled at 46% alc/vol and is non-chill filtered and has natural colour, adhering to Cadenhead’s philosophy of authentic presentation. Part of Cadenhead’s Original Collection, a selection of outstanding single malts chosen for their exceptional quality and diversity of flavour.

Tasting Notes

This 11-year-old Ardmore from Cadenhead’s offers a fascinating and complex profile, balancing a confident smokiness with rich red fruit, sweet, and spicy notes from the Port cask.

Nose: Expect an inviting blend of sweet bonfire smoke and earthy peat, beautifully intertwined with rich red berries, dark chocolate, and a hint of cherry liqueur. Underlying notes of marzipan, toasted malt, and a subtle floral sweetness may also be present.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied and robust, with a pleasing oiliness. The ever-present smokiness is beautifully balanced by flavours of stewed dark fruits (plums, blackcurrants), sweet wine gums, and rich caramel. Notes of baking spices, a touch of liquorice, and a satisfying malty depth add to its complexity.

Finish: Long and satisfying, with lingering notes of dark fruit, black pepper, and cocoa. The woodsmoke elements continue, culminating in a memorable richness and a warm, fruity sweetness. This Original Collection bottling allows the peated Ardmore spirit to truly impress, offering a confident and rich dram with a bold Port influence.