Ardnamurchan Sherry Cask Review: 'Mint, campfire, salted peanut ice cream and leather?'

In the past decade, new distilleries have sprung up like mushrooms after the rain. One of these newcomers is Ardnamurchan, based on the namesake peninsula. Curious what the Whisky Monkeys think of this Highland upstart? Read on in our Ardnamurchan Sherry Cask review.

Ardnamurchan Point is the westernmost tip of the Scottish mainland. From its iconic lighthouse you can gaze out over both the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic West Highlands. For independent bottler Adelphi, this wild Scottish peninsula was the perfect place to build their own distillery.

As with Adelphi’s whiskies, quality and craftsmanship come first. In July 2014, the Ardnamurchan brand proudly debuted, with the Highland distillery immediately positioning itself as Scotland’s greenest. The first releases were very well received. Now we’re keen to share our impressions of their sherry cask expression.

Ardnamurchan’s Sherry Cask is fully matured in a mix of Oloroso and PX sherry casks made from both Spanish and American oak. What makes this single malt unique is that both peated and unpeated spirit were laid down to mature. After roughly five years hitting its stride, it was time to bottle. The whisky is non-chill filtered and free of added color.

Pulling the cork and seeing the liquid, it’s immediately clear this whisky has seen sherry casks. The beautiful golden-brown spirit is dark and aromatic. Notes of dates and figs, raisins dipped in chocolate, and butterscotch fill the room. On the nose you’ll also find sweet peat smoke, damp wood, and roasted peanuts.

After nosing this liquid elixir for a while, it’s time for a first sip. The hallmark sherry sweetness of milk chocolate and raisins is unmistakable, yet on the palate this nectar of the gods is less sweet than the nose suggests. The mouthfeel is full, slightly tingling, and earthier than expected. Think toasted bread, dried Eastern fruits, smoke, moss, sandalwood, coffee, and a touch of leather.

The finish is medium-long, dry, and spicy. Sweet sherry and maritime peat linger in harmonious balance.

With this Sherry Cask release, Ardnamurchan firmly puts itself on the map. Even at just five years old, this dram holds its own in both flavor and complexity. The sweet, fruity character from the sherry casks meshes beautifully with the earthy, smoky tones at the whisky’s core. All told, it’s a powerful, well-balanced Highland with a generous dose of smoke.

+ Both sweet and smoky

+ Surprisingly powerful and complex for a young whisky

- The hefty smoke won’t be to everyone’s taste

Want to read more of our whisky reviews? Check out our overview.