2014 Adelphi Ardnamurchan 10 Year Old Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Distilled in 2014, Adelphi's Cask 18 is a milestone for Ardnamurchan, marking their second decade-old release (Cask 10 debuted last year for a festival in Edinburgh). Unpeated, fully matured in a single x-bourbon cask and bottled in 2024, the lasting impression is closer to well-aged Kilkerran than previous distillery expressions. An initial honey-vanilla sweetness imparted by the barrel slightly subdues the distillate - or it could just be age kicking in? Whatever the case, the coastal vibrancy found in younger bottlings is dialled back. There is, however, more of a dried apricot, sponge cake or sweet bread character to enjoy through the mid palate, and there's a sense of elegance that's similar to Ardnamurchan's Paul Launois releases. Landing at 54.6% ABV, non-chill filtered and with natural colour, Adelphi are offering 273 bottles as an Australian exclusive. Collectors should consider it for its rarity and historical significance. Tasted from a 20ml sample.