Wm Cadenhead Original Collection Ardmore 11 Year Old Pinot Noir Finish

Cadenhead's Original Collection Ardmore 11 Year Old Pinot Noir Finish is a single malt Scotch whisky from Ardmore, a substantial Victorian distillery in the Highlands that is unusual for producing a peated Highland malt, its woodsmoke balanced by a floral side. Bottled by William Cadenhead of Campbeltown, this 11 year old spent its later maturation in Pinot Noir casks from 2020. The tasting panel called it a bit of a beast: meaty, with ever-present smoke and a confident richness, lifted by a layer of sweetness from strawberry jam, wine gums and caramelised sugar. Like every Original Collection release it marries no more than a handful of casks and is bottled at 46% ABV in a 700ml bottle, with no chill-filtration and no added colouring.

Tasting Notes: Smoky and meaty with red-fruit sweetness from the Pinot Noir casks.

Nose: Meaty, blown-out candle smoke, a bit of a beast.

Palate: Strawberry jam, tannin, wine gums, caramelised sugar, cured ham.

Finish: Distant smoke, dried burnt embers, cloves.

Serve: Neat or with a drop of water.