Ardnamurchan sherry cask - review

 Whisky Review 

Ardnamurchan Sherry cask release (2022)   

ABV: 50%

RRP: £60

"There is enough influence from each of its cask mix, offering classic leather and dark fruits from the oloroso and sweetness from the PX sherry. Mixed in with just a subtle amount of peat smoke. "

B

A quick search for this distillery on twitter, now known as X or whatever, will show their handle as @distillery1826. This was the year that the Adelphi distillery was built, upon the banks of the river  Clyde.  Their website offers a detailed history of how Adelphi has influenced the birth of Ardnamurachan distillery which officially opened in 2014. Proud of their heritage, their bottles display their location within the western highlands in their glass blown print as a major feature on their core releases. Stylish and ticking the boxes of natural colour and non chill filtered, this distillery has quickly made a name for itself amongst whisky enthusiasts, with most limited releases selling out super-quick. 

This sherry release was placed firmly on my 'whisky wishlist', without ever having the trigger pulled as i try to reduce my whisky spending budget this year. But it felt a sign when I came across it at the Newcastle Whisky Festival this year and having tried a sample I simply couldn't resist the urge any longer.  

Nose: Honey and bacon. Its sweet and savoury upon the nose. There is some salty sea breeze amongst the sweet caramel and leather notes. 

Taste: Strong dark fruits upon immediate arrival. Its delicate and the alcohol doesn't cause any distraction on the palate. Bonfire is a dominant note I'm getting. A lovely blend of sweet honey and fantastic barbequed meats, all washed down with a drying smokey, bonfire finish. Stunning liquid!

Score: 

8/10

This is, without doubt, excellent whisky. Its hard to believe a whisky of this age (circa 5 years) has this much depth, flavour profile and quality. There is enough influence from each of its cask mix, offering classic leather and dark fruits from the oloroso and sweetness from the PX sherry. Mixed in with just a subtle amount of peat smoke. 

There is no youth brashness either. Its composed and too mature for its own right. This whisky carries a briefcase to school and has earned the right to do so! But there will be no finger pointing from its youthful peers, instead they hold onward looks of jealousy, admiration and reverence. Student of the week amongst its age group for me. Bravo Ardnamurchan, bravo!!

*This whisky was self-purchased and the above review reflects my personal opinions only.