Ardnamurchan AD/10.22 Madeira Cask Release Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

It's early days, but Madeira may well turn out to be the perfect wine to compliment Ardnamurchan's spirit. Twelve months in 250 litre hogsheads has added soft, floral aromatics of honey-glazed fruits (think dried figs and apple) that continue to caress the nose like an old Cognac. It makes the intensity and drive on the palate unexpected: Deliciously pure malt comes framed by caramelised fruits and sweet wood spices. Cedar and a touch of wild honey add lift to the finish. Even a 20ml sample conveys a remarkable sense of elegance, and while some of the coastal character is smothered, this bottling proves Ardnamurchan doesn't need to rely on peat to be at its best. Sold out in the UK, 5781 bottles are on offer globally with a fraction of that making its way to Australia. 58.2% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

Other reviews... Nose: That Ardnamurchan minerality and/or chalkiness, depending on your nose. Stewed fruits but with lots of dark red berries in the mix. Slightly perfumed.  Orange zest in the background. Palate: More expressive and deep than the nose anticipates. Caramel/treacle, caramel apple, orange zest. Again stewed dark red berries. Buttery with some biscuits drizzled in red-berry-flavoured caramel. Mineralic with dark honey...This is delicious stuff, no doubt about it. - dramface.com