Ardmore 2002/2021 Caora N°11
Style Single Malt Scotch Country Scotland Region Highland Distillery Ardmore Bottler Caora Distillation Date February 2002 Bottling Date September 2021 Age 19 years Maturation Refill Barrel Cask 319 Alcohol 55.2%vol Volume 50cl Outturn 141 Bottles Ardmore 19 yo 2002/2021 (55.2%, Caora, cask #319, refill barrel, 141 bottles)
Colour: gold. Nose: this is more like it, pure Ardmore. All on soft farmyard earthiness, coal smoke, mud, sheep wool, aged mead, heather honey and soft medicinal embrocations. I have a soft spot for this profile of subtly peated distillate. With water: rather mustardy, heathery and waxy now - reminiscent of some 1970s Banffs in some ways. Mouth: nicely peppery attack on arrival. More coal, more honeys, heather beers, rye bread spread with salty butter and touches of aniseed and liquorice. Plenty going on to enjoy here. With water: perfectly balanced between aniseed, wee wood spices, heather smoke, coal embers and honeys. Finish: good length, more heather, honey, sweetish beers, breads and herbal medicines. Comments: I know Ardmore isn't for everyone, but I'm very much a fan. It remains a pretty old school and idiosyncratic make. This one is top class!
88 points.