52,5°
Distillery : The Ardmore - Speyside
Ex-Laphroaig American and European Oak Barrel
Independent Bottling
By Elixir Distillers
Limired Edition
Single Malt
Bottled in 2022
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
Heavily Peated
This is the second bottling I've tasted from this crazy project: turning the famous Scottish play into a gallery of bottles featuring each character. So far, nine characters have been illustrated. This bottle represents Seyton, Macbeth's household, who tells him that his wife has died in Act V. This is a particularly peaty Ardmore, aged in old Laphroaig casks. 3200 bottles were produced. The label was designed by Sir Quentin Blake.
Let's Taste It :
On the nose, astringent peat and limestone, burnt plastic, pine needles, braised caramel. Slight iodine freshness, ocean air, a pinch of icing sugar. A medicinal touch, some white fruits, a mint leaf. The palate seemed to me to be very fruity, with mirabelle plums, greengages, bananas, pineapple and papaya. Still, there was a pinch of salt and a good layer of peat in the background. Not disturbing spices, nutmeg and cumin. Long, woody finish, with coriander and cloves mingling with dark chocolate and coffee. Mineral and coniferous notes.
In Short,
I found it very successful, the influence of the Laphroaig casks gives punch to this Ardmore whose typical markers are recognisable. It is iodised, foresty (coniferous forest) and peaty, but also fruity. And it's all beautifully balanced. The price seems almost acceptable, but I'd have to taste it again before deciding to buy it.
Score : 89
To Be Listened While Sipping :
No Name Faces - Silence
No comments:
Post a Comment