Ardamurchan AD

Ardnamurchan AD/ is the core single malt from Scotland’s most westerly mainland distillery, on the wild Ardnamurchan peninsula on the west coast of the Highlands. The distillery was opened in 2014 by the independent bottler Adelphi. It has quickly earned a reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting new whisky makers, producing a characterful, coastal spirit full of salt, smoke and fruit.<br> <br> AD/ brings together both sides of the distillery’s spirit: half peated and half unpeated. The whisky is matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, so it balances sweet citrus and vanilla against gentle smoke and a briny, mineral edge. It’s bottled at 46.8% with natural colour and no chill filtration, giving it plenty of texture and depth. The distillery is also known for its sustainable approach, running on local renewable energy. Like the whisky, the packaging is made with the environment in mind.<br> <br> Who it’s for: Drinkers who enjoy coastal whiskies with a touch of smoke but don’t want a full-on Islay peat bomb. It’s a great introduction to one of the most talked-about new Scottish distilleries, and a thoughtful gift for anyone who likes to discover something different.<br> <br> How to enjoy it: Taste it neat to catch the interplay between smoke and fruit, then try a few drops of water to bring out the citrus and sweeter notes. It also makes a superb smoky Old Fashioned, or pairs nicely with smoked salmon or oysters.