2009 Ardmore Artist Collective 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

At 12-14 ppm, Ardmore has always offered a smokey malt, sourcing its peat from Saint-Fergus, a village in Aberdeenshire. Right from the start, this bottling prepares the ground for a tasting whose theme is multi-faceted peat. It was even matured in x-Islay Bourbon casks - and according to the bottlers, fans should find some similarities with Laphroaig. Expect an archetypal Ardmore that's also deeply malty and minerally. Originally an exclusive for the French retailer, La Maison du Whisky. 43% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the bottlers... the unctuous initial nose reveals notes of gum arabica and an oily, floral peat (dandelion). Allowed to breathe, barley grains appear alongside candied lemon and juicy pear. Medicinal and camphoric, gradually it becomes ashy and mineral (slate). With lots of vitality, the attack boasts an impressive herbaceous freshness (mint). The peat is perfectly integrated into the heart of the taste palette. The chiselled start of the finish wavers between tarry and salty (seaweed) flavours. The very expressive empty glass reveals farmyard aromas (straw).