Ardnamurchan AD 10.21:06
The Ardnamurchan distillery is named after its location, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands. The still young distillery (bottling of the first cask in 2014) is considered one of the most important newcomers on the Scotch scene, perhaps also due to the long history of Adelphi Distillery Ltd, which also operates as an independent bottler.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A sweet and sour bouquet stings the nose intensely and is a little overwhelming. Once you have got used to these aromas, you will find a real variety of flavours underneath. A salty orange meets spicy oak, which is lightly interwoven with an iodised peat note. In between, a red baked apple in vanilla sauce flashes up.
Palate
The light peat smoke from the nose becomes more definite on the tongue, followed by a peppery (alcoholic) spiciness. The watery, voluminous mouthfeel opens sour and bitter (lemon balm, artichokes) and transitions into an herbaceous taste (baked potato spice mix). The journey ends with a fruity-sweet region and is again strongly reminiscent of red apple in vanilla sauce.
Finish
The dry, medium-long finish is slightly peaty-berry, has a bit of dark chocolate in it and is still youthfully bitter.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
A whisky that’s a lot of fun with its wild combination of aromas, but can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. The sweet and sour notes paired with the peat smoke make it enjoyable to drink, even if it’s not entirely polished yet—you can taste the young spirit of the distillery. Definitely an exciting dram from the Highlands for fans of character and surprises.
Sascha 77/100
The Ardnamurchan AD 10.21:06 presents an interesting structural profile but occasionally shows a certain imbalance between the intense fruit notes and the sharp herbal spice. The complex interplay of aromas is complemented by a medium-length, lightly peated finish, though there’s still room for greater harmony. A solid Highland malt with potential for future maturation.
Value for Money: Good
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78/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Ardnamurchan AD 10.21:06 special in the whisky scene?
The Ardnamurchan AD 10.21:06 comes from a relatively young distillery that has been producing since 2014. It combines traditional Highland elements with modern production techniques and is known for its complex aroma profile, ranging from sweet and sour notes to iodine-rich peat smoke.
How does the peat smoke influence the taste of this whisky?
The peat smoke in the Ardnamurchan AD 10.21:06 is subtle but present. It provides a smoky depth that blends with spicy oak, salty orange, and fruity notes like red apple, without overpowering the whisky.
Why does this whisky have no age statement (NAS)?
The Ardnamurchan AD 10.21:06 is a No Age Statement (NAS) whisky, meaning no specific age is declared. This allows the distillery to blend different casks and vintages to achieve a consistent flavor and a complex range of aromas.