Ardnamurchan AD/ Rum Cask Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

“You can feel the “funky”, fruity traces of the rum combine gloriously with the saltier and heavier characters of the distillate.” - Alex Bruce, Ardnamurchan.

Like previous releases, the latest Ardnamurchan captures the distillery's trademark Hebridean freshness in a deliciously moreish malt. Whiskies from eighteen unpeated ex-Bourbon barrels filled in 2016 and thirteen peated ex-Bourbon barrels from 2017 were finished in x-Jamaican rum casks. The expected streak of sweet molasses remains in the shadows, however we're not told what kind of rum the barrels contained. A spokesman for Ardnamurchan has commented that some rums actually have a "...very leafy, green-cast profile", implying that's what was employed here. It would explain why this tastes fairly stereotypical instead of taking Ardnamurchan into completely new territory. The pungency of the nose is slightly restrained, but there's still plenty of peppery spark and invigorating maritime definition on the palate. Beyond the ashy peat and minerality, the whisky unfolds with salt'n'pepper crackers followed by a dry, biscuity malt character sealing the finish. It's getting close to a youthful, cask-strength Talisker but with a more relaxed vibe. 8334 bottles are on offer. 55% Alc./Vol. Non chill-filtered.

Other reviews... Nose: Seems less expressive than most Ardnamurchan. Gentle minerals, somewhat earthy and a soft smokiness, as well as grilled lemons and apricots. Hints of lawn clippings, sandalwood and vanilla pods also. Taste: Driftwood and gentle smoke with sticky honey, white pepper and rhubarb. It has a nice saline quality, as well as notes of walnuts, ashes and marshmallows. Finish: Short to medium. Somewhat leafy with ashy smoke. - wordsofwhisky.com