Ardnamurchan AD:02.22 Peated Cask Strength
AD:02.22 - behind this somewhat cryptic name we quite simply find a bottle from the Ardnamurchan distillery that was bottled in February 2022. The young single malt distillery is owned by the renowned bottler Adelphi and produces Scotch with a vision of sustainability and transparency.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression is very sweet for a peated malt. We detect vanilla, citrus and a slight hint of oats. There is also a subtle hint of honey. Surrounded by cold fire smoke, we also find nutty flavours and some dried tobacco leaves. When the nose is allowed to breathe a little, the scent of ripe bananas emerges.
Palate
The great complexity of the nose continues. A blend of sugar syrup, lemon peel and vanilla. Wonderfully balanced and subtle, the sweetness is bound up in the smoke of a smouldering campfire. The very pleasant oiliness coats the tongue and palate with a slight dryness.
Finish
The single malt's finish is long and intense. A peppery oak note rounds off the AD.02:22 experience.
Thoughts
Marcel 86/100
A young whisky with character that, despite its youth, reveals an astonishing depth and a pleasant viscosity. The combination of sweet vanilla and honey notes with smoky accents turns every sip into a little adventure – definitely a treat for lovers of complex peated malt.
Sascha 83/100
The AD:02.22 presents itself as a well-structured peated malt with a successful balance between smoke, sweetness, and a subtle dryness in the finish. Despite the lack of age, the whisky offers a complex aroma profile and a lasting presence that underline its technical quality.
Value for Money: Good
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025
There are whiskies that tell stories – and then there are those that merge worlds. The Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025 belongs to the second category. Originating from the young, ambitious distillery in the Scottish Highlands, this seven-years single malt presents itself as a fascinating experiment: matured in former Calvados casks, it combines the rugged beauty of the Highlands with the fruity sophistication of Normandy.
82/100
Nc'Nean Organic Batch 20 2019/2023
Whisky is often a play on tradition - but Nc'Nean takes a different approach. The young distillery from the Scottish Highlands focuses on sustainability, organic ingredients and a modern approach to whisky production. Its Nc'Nean Organic Batch 20, bottled in 2023, exemplifies this approach. With no age statement, 46% ABV and an exciting cask combination of ex-bourbon, sherry and red wine casks, it arouses curiosity.
79/100
Deanston 12 Years
The building was originally a cotton mill before it was converted into a distillery in 1965. Today, whisky flows here instead of lengths of cloth - and around 15% of the production ends up in our glasses as single malt.
81/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Peated Cask Strength' mean for Ardnamurchan AD:02.22?
'Peated' indicates that the whisky was made using peat smoke, giving it a smoky character. 'Cask Strength' means the whisky is bottled undiluted at its natural alcohol level of 58.2%.
How does the peaty note influence the taste of this Ardnamurchan whisky?
The smoky flavor is present but not overpowering; it subtly blends with sweet aromas like vanilla, citrus, and honey, as well as nutty and tobacco-like nuances, creating a complex and balanced tasting experience.
Why does Ardnamurchan AD:02.22 have no age statement (No Age Statement)?
The distillery deliberately omits an age statement to focus on the whisky’s flavor and quality rather than its age. This allows greater flexibility in selecting casks for bottling.