Today, a not-so-mysterious peated Highland whisky released by The Whisky Exchange for Black Friday 2020. For years these mystery Black Friday releases were a smashing good deal, and something that you could drink or share without scruples. The distilleries were usually identified with a wink and a nudge, or a simple internet search. The Whisky Exchange did not release a Black Friday special in 2025, so perhaps the special release is dead and gone. I certainly hope it was just on break for the year.

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Whisky: Ardmore 22 Year, The Whisky Exchange Black Friday 2020

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 50.5%

Cask: Oak

Age: 22 Years (Bottled 2020)

Notes: Charred lemons and ash, the aroma was grilled lemon lemonade with a twist of ginger and simple syrup for a bit spice and sweetness. Ash from a charcoal grill filtered over the top of everything with more herbal and medicinal elements lingering in the background— burning sage and mesquite wood to balance the humors. Medium-bodied, though on the lighter end, the flavor profile featured a similar evolution between the tart sweetness of grilled lemons, charcoal ash, and muddled herbs; perhaps approaching something more like a cocktail than a lemonade. More medicinal herbs and mint lingered near the end with burnt grass for a semi-bitter finale.  The finish was medium-length with more lemons and charcoal ash.

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Score: 6 (78)

Mental Image: Chargrilled Lemonade

Conclusion: I found this pandemic edition of the Black Friday special simple and effective— what it lacked in complexity, it made up for in value. It was more citrusy than smokey or sooty, but never really developed any additional elements beyond the herbal-medicinal qualities toward the end which were often a touch bitter. Overall, a whisky for relaxing rather than thinking.