The 2007 release of this 'Traditional Cask' was the first official single malt from the Ardmore distillery, this is a young whisky, but it was aged in quarter casks, which proffers a speedy maturation thus discounting its youth.
Full of caramel. Toasted oak is evident and rich and just the faintest peat has muscled its way through.
Lots of barley and cereal notes, oodles of rich bourbon, smoke and peat still present. Charming interplay through the caramel sweetness and the vanilla spiced oak.
Has a sharp edge, more caramel and sugary barley notes and a lanolin smoothness and more tapering smoke.
it's good
I jumped in seeing it said there's a hint of peat. There's definitely a nice touch of peat, caramel, and honey on the nose. Palate consisted of the subtle touch of peat, light caramel, hints of smoked meats and a bit of roasted almonds creep in. Finish was short but sweet. I did not find the harshness that others have mentioned either, i found it rugged, but smooth. For a sub $50 Scotch Whisky here in the US, its quite a good find, I didn't expect much, but will definitely buy more in the future.
Wasn't expecting too much, but I figured for the price I would give it a shot. I was very happy with my purchase! I got none of the "harsh" notes that others have referenced, and actually found quite the opposite. Even at 46%. Nose: Honeyed ham, light peat, caramel (but almost more of a white sugary sweet), and a touch of salt air. Dried fruits have come out on my second tasting that added to the sweetness. Palate: US Milk Chocolate (was not expecting that!), peat but it did not overpower other tastes, slightly salty, smoked meats, and caramel. Finish: Short to moderate. The sweetness carries though and is rather prominent. Many other peated Scotches I've had have a straight peat finish that overpowers other flavors. And while it's there, it allows the other flavors to shine. Quite smooth.
Traditional Cask is a peated Highland, so it's sort of an all-arounder (a'la Highland Park 12), with none of the thinness or off-notes of similarly-priced single malts like Speyburn Bradan Orach, etc. The nose is mostly sweet, dominated by honeyed barbecue sauce, with complementary undertones of maple and smoke. On the palate, it's pleasantly full-bodied with lots of Highland honey and more smoke, and an oiliness that calls to mind boiled peanuts. The finish is nice and long, with a bit of ash.
Great value for such a well made whisky. Its a Highland whisky on the border with Spayside. If you like peated give it a try, you will not be disapointed. Johnny Norfolk
