Whisky: Ardmore 11 Year (2008), Morrison & MacKay Cask 702430 for R/Scotch

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 57%

Cask: Bourbon Barrel

Age: 11 Years (Distilled 19 June 2008, Bottled 7 Oct. 2019)

Nose: Slightly acrid mineral and metallic smoke with hints of a grease fire and flaming pineapples, hints of caramelized pears in a tart, a kiss of salt led toward dissolved minerals and tide pools, mellow earth and parched vegetation, more farm and old tractor tires with time.

Palate: Medium-bodied and oily, sweet and herbal— park grill flavored candies anyone?, charcoal ash and burnt fats, charred lemon and citrus oil with hints of pineapple and pears at different times, mellow dry grass, earth, and old newspaper with hints of musty barn.

Finish: Medium-length with charred citrus, hay, and hints of something more tropical.

Score: 6

Mental Image: Industrial Pineapple Destruction

Narrative & Notes: A few casks have been bottled for the community on Reddit’s r/scotch over the years— the Ardmore before me was selected in 2019 by a group of longtime users and bottled by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (then known as Morrison & MacKay). It was released alongside a much older Wardhead (Glenfiddich).

I was easily caught up in the excitement of the release and the idea of a community-exclusive cask bottling. I was still new to the community then, so I wasted no time grabbing a bottle of each. This was neither my first encounter with FOMO nor my last. Still, it proved instructive for recognizing when that feeling was driving my choices.

In retrospect, I should have paid more careful attention to the tasting notes so I could have avoided the Wardhead. I am generally happy with the Ardmore, though it has taken me a few years to finish the bottle. I do not regret buying it and have enjoyed the subtle flavor shifts over the years.

The flavor profile has remained a touch sweet for my taste, especially the initial burst across the palate. Yet, there is a wonderful musty earth and hay in the background that occasionally verges on an enticing farmyard quality. The overall experience is not particularly that deep. Still, the elements are generally well-integrated and develop nicely in the glass. Over time some of the sharp sweetness has mellowed, though water frequently elevated it along with more citrus and hints of cream.

Overall, a quality Ardmore from a community that really helped me find my footing in the world of whisky.