Ardnamurchan AD/10

Ardnamurchan AD/10, 10 YO, 50%

The big 10th Anniversary edition. This is what they say on their own website:

“This 15,000 bottle batch was made up of 100% first-fill bourbon casks, where roughly half of the batch was subsequently finished, for over one year, in Champagne Paul Lanais barriques”

The Ardnamurchan AD/10 is available in Norway at NOK 870 (18964101).

Nose: Rich, vibrant, and immediately engaging. A wave of tropical fruits, banana, pineapple, mango, intertwines with demerara sugar and creamy vanilla. As it settles, the fruit becomes even more pronounced, joined by nuanced layers of dark chocolate, toasted coconut, and a touch of unsalted peanuts.

Taste: Full-bodied and luxuriously rich. The tropical profile from the nose carries through; pineapple is now center stage, backed by honeyed sweetness and soft, warming spice: white pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. There's also a lovely nutty undertone.

Finish: Medium-long, with a creamy, almost waxy mouthfeel. The interplay of pineapple, ginger, and honey continues to shine, with an unexpected but delightful burst of mandarin adding brightness and vibrancy. Fades slowly with tropical warmth and gentle spice.

Comment: A sun-soaked dram.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas