Ardmore 8 Year Old 2013 Double-V

This Ardmore started its life on a refill bourbon barrel, but was transferred to a Marsala barrique in 2018, so actually we can almost speak of a double maturation. Marsala is an Italian fortified wine from western Sicily. The release was nicknamed Azzurri because it was bottled when Italy became European football champion. But I digress.

Ah, the nose is immediately nice and dirty with touches of wet earth, pork fat and the ego of Italian footballers. But the Marsala puts a very nice sweet blanket over it that reminds me of white chocolate, vanilla custard, yogurt with peach and soft sweets. Beautiful nose!

It arrives quite powerfully, starts with sweetness, but even before you register the sweetness, there is the peated side of Ardmore. Herbal, sweet and sour, in your face. And it makes your mouth nice and warm. With the second sip you will succeed in enjoying the sweet traits a little more. They turn this young, cheeky Ardmore into a well-balanced whisky that is perfect for this season. Now a Christmas tree and a fireplace and I’m all set.

The finish is especially sweet and spicy, while the peat in the background provides constant smoke.

Delicious stuff. Count on 75 EUR. Worth every penny.

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