Whisky: Ardlair 11 Year (2010), Thompson Brothers

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 50%

Cask: Refill Bourbon Barrel

Age: 11 Years (Distilled 2010, Bottled 2022)

Nose: Citrus and bergamot, linseed oil and rose hip, dried grass and dandelion greens, pepper, hints of rubber and orange.

Palate: Medium-bodied and oily, citrusy, grassy, musty dank herbs, orange and grapefruit, dry, vanilla and black pepper, linseed oil.

Finish: Medium-length and spirited with lemon peel, herbs, and dried grass.

Score: 5

Mental Image: Italian Restaurant Props

Narrative & Notes: Slightly sour fermentation appeared, like cracking a jar of preserved sour lemon peels before sweet green apple and slightly floral bergamot joined in. Vanilla bean and black pepper arrived as the aroma approached grassier notions of dandelion greens, cattails, and dried grass. Linseed oil and rose hip developed in the background with orange rind and hints of rubber— almost like new tennis balls. Medium-bodied with an oily texture, the flavor profile was citrusy, grassy, and slightly funky, with dank herbs lingering at the end. Fermenting lemons popped first with grass sugar cane and more herbal notions of thyme and oregano. As the herbs faded, more citrusy oranges and grapefruit emerged with crushed apples. Vanilla and black pepper met up with the orange and lingered until more dank, musty herbs and linseed oil emerged. The finish was medium-length and spirited with lemon peel, herbs, and dried grass.

Not bad, but not great. I prefer my Ardmore to be earthier, smokier, and funkier. The combination of citrus and herbs was intriguing but not always very pleasant whenever the whisky took a peppery turn. The spirited finish was easily adjusted with water and lingered a bit longer. Water simplified the flavor profile and pushed more sweet citrus forward. I reckoned this was an ideal whisky for a high ball, and at least one commentator on Whiskybase suggested as much.