Ardmore 2008 (Asta Morris)

More peat! One of the latest (whisky) releases from Asta Morris: single cask Ardmore 2008.

Ardmore 8 yo 2008 (53%, Asta Morris 2017, bourbon cask, 268 btl.)

Nose: spot on. A dry layer with charcoal dust and bonfire smoke, as well as wet leaves, hints of paint, but also plenty of apple sweetness and lemon candy. Just a little vanilla and some floral touches.

Mouth: oily texture, quite a bit more powerful and sharper, with intense, almost ‘industrial’ peat, smoked oranges, lemon peel and light resinous notes. There’s a raw mezcal-like edge to it which works well in this context. Hints of candied ginger, grassy notes. Herbal touches too (aniseed).

Finish: quite long, with a peppery heat, herbs and leafy peat.

Young, without pretention, but rewarding nonetheless with an above average complexity. Very interesting bottle for peatheads. Around € 55, great value.

Score: 86/100