.ardmore - port wood

It is a good thing distilleries can not claim trademark on used cask type, otherwise some distilleries would have had difficulties describing their product. The Ardmore Port Wood, is the latest release of the Ardmore portfolio, and available worldwide from October 2015.

46% abv, €55, single malt, non-chill filtered

Nose: sweet, herbal, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, floral, heather, a whiff of smoke, dried fruits, plums, raisins, fresh brambles, roast beef,

Palate: sweet, fruit, fresh brambles, fresh raspberries, spicy, black pepper, a slight dryness, a hint of smoke, pineapple, sweet grapes

Finish: sweet, honey in the back of the throat, medium long, spices, black pepper
Mark: +++++

Conclusion: the port maturation is a good fit for the Ardmore spirit, in my humble opinion. For some it might be a bit too sweet, and for a 12yo the price is a bit steep, but if you are looking into what peated whiskies can also give you, this is a rather nice bottle for the whisky-drinker that would like to broaden their horizon with something special.

More info: matured for 12 years in ex-Bourbon barrels and finished in "rich European Oak half port pipes" (300-ish litres) for up to 2 years.

Many thanks to Ardmore for sending us the sample as part of the #TheArdmoreWhisky twitter tasting