Dutch whisky legend Michiel Wigman has just released two new bottlings as part of his They Inspired II series (second batch). One of them is a really old Ardmore 1988, the oldest I’ve been able to try so far.
Ardmore 32 yo 1988 (48,6%, Dutch Whisky Connection ‘They Inspired II’ 2021, 192 btl.)
Nose: a very refined profile, with the peat almost dissolved in fruits like peaches, sweet lemons, as well as almonds and hints of vanilla. Subtle pineapple and soft creamy notes. Hardly any smoke, rather transformed notes of metal polish, sweet eucalyptus, menthol and sunflower oil. Subtle old leather and honey.
Mouth: oily, now showing more charcoal and soft, earthy smoke, as well as a little chalk. Then lime, sweet yellow apples and peaches again, with a light tropical note. Hints of toffee. Mint tea, cardamom, tiny herbal drops and subtle ash. All very refined.
Finish: reasonably long, with a little black pepper and lingering sweetness.
A very round, sophisticated Ardmore that reminds me of the official Ardmore 30 Year Old which was released a few years ago. Excellent whisky really, perhaps its only obstacle is the fact that you can still find the OB at a very reasonable price. This one is around € 480 and available from Dutch Whisky Connection.