Ardnamurchan AD:01 10th Anniversary Edition 10 years

Score: 79

A milestone bottle that stepped into the evening with a beautifully confident presence. Bottled at a precise 50% ABV, this unpeated 10th Anniversary Edition shows the incredible heights the distillery can achieve by matching its pristine West Highland distillate forward-profile with creative wood management. Drawing on first-fill bourbon casks complemented by an innovative finish in Paul Launois Champagne barriques, it delivers a striking depth without ever losing its crisp, coastal identity. ​ On the nose, it opens with an overtly tropical burst ripe mangoes, sweet pineapple cubes, and rich honey, lifted by a subtle, effervescent fizz and yeastiness reminiscent of a freshly popped bottle. There’s a wonderful, wax-coated confectionery charm here of crème caramel and white chocolate meringues, but it’s anchored by a clean, mineral undertone that keeps the sweetness completely poised. The palate is compact, wonderfully oily, and remarkably flavour-dense: buttered shortbread, gingerbread spice, blood orange, and a touch of savory linseed oil. The Champagne cask's signature citrus zest and brightness are unmistakable, vibrant and expressive, but it operates with absolute harmony alongside the creamy bourbon foundation. The finish lingers beautifully, carrying a dry, chalky mineral character, a hint of milk chocolate, and a final, refreshing twist of pink grapefruit long after the sip. ​What set this whisky apart, and earned it a highly decorated second place at the club night, was its sheer vibrancy and structural elegance. In a lineup of heavy-set drams, it provided a thrilling counterpoint, brimming with intense tropical fruit and an electric, lively texture that captivated the room. It was a close battle for the top spot, and while it just missed out on first, it walked away with a brilliant silver because it was so utterly distinctive, complete, and brilliantly executed. ​Like eating mango-topped shortbread beside a crisp glass of bubbly on a sun-drenched coastal cliff. A standout anniversary bottling that claimed its second-place victory by being wonderfully creative, surprisingly structured, and completely memorable from start to finish. "Club Notes" "Very good, fancy chita? Very long oily finish, makes you salivate. Sweet, salty, hints of brine, funky like jamiroquais hat" "This is great. Nice color. Orange. Apricot. Yum! Best so far.." "Very resiny. What barrels did they use ? Virgin? Florial & a cederwood grandmas cupboard. There’s a celery-like green note" "Sweet syrupy coastal note, very interesting. Possibly a madiera cask finish" "​Nose: Inviting, dominated by dark fruits, ripe plum, and a dense, subtly syrupy sweetness.​Palate: Sweet and fruit-forward. A concentrated burst of mixed berries, offering a rounded mouthfeel.​Finish: Medium length, where the decadent fruit sweetness carries through, punctuated by only a faint, very gentle touch of warming spice."