Ardnamurchan 2017 AD/Paul Launois 4th Release

 

 

 

57,3°

Distillery : Ardnamurchan - Highlands

Ex-Bourbon Barrels, Champagne Barriques Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Every year since 2021, the distillery has presented this bottling, with a highly original finish, in Champagne barriques during one year. But not just any Champagne, the Paul Launois brand has its reputation, or so it seems. This year, the result comes in 3198 bottles, with a Cask Strength juice - well worth a try.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very soft nose of citrus fruit and honey, tangerine, grapefruit, very delicate mineral notes, lovely balance. Discreet white fruit and herbal hints, walnuts and squares of bark. Light cereals, oats and wheat. Whiffs of iodine. On the palate, fruit dominates, with green Granny Smith apples, a dash of honey and lemon, crushed hazelnuts. Juicy pears. It's a bit sour. Spices and a drizzle of smoky peat. Long finish, but not explosive, charcoal, sprinkled with lemon, tall herbs, forest undergrowth.

 

In Short, 

Everyone spoke very highly of this one, but personally I didn't love it. Maybe because I don't really like champagne. And without bubbles, it's just not the same. It's still well done, with character, interesting. It's a victim of its own success and sold out everywhere, but perhaps fans will be able to satisfy their curiosity with the 5th Release.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Marysia Osu - Memento Mori