Ardnamurchan Cask Strength 2023 Release

Score: 70

In the “distilleries under 10 years old” category, Ardnamurchan Cask Strength made a bold impression, securing 2nd place and proving that youth doesn’t mean compromise. This was a dram that demanded attention, evolving dramatically from first sip to final drop. Neat, it came in hot: intense dried beef, smoke, and a slightly medicinal edge that caught some by surprise. It was a smoother take on harsher whisky notes, but still tightly wound, slightly closed due to its strength, yet undeniably intriguing. Then came the water, and with it, transformation. The peat softened, and a wave of sweetness rolled in. Apple pie notes emerged, warm and comforting, with raisins dashed through and a mix of lighter and darker fruits dancing around the now-silky smoke. It was a dram that rewarded patience and exploration, revealing layers that few expected from such a young distillery. Its 2nd-place finish was well earned. Ardnamurchan showed that even in its early years, it can craft a whisky with depth, character, and a sense of surprise. A rising star with serious chops.