Ardmore 2003 Gordon & MacPhail 19-Year
53.4% ABV - Highlands, Scotland
Nose: There are big sherry notes upfront, and I am brought to a dusty or dank cellar (in the good way), with plum, raisin, and spices. In behind, there is a winey, floral fruit punch.
Taste: Dark and red fruit compote, with nectarine, blood orange, and spices (touch of a cinnamon). Hint of smoke or charred wood—not really into the peat category though.
Finish: Stewed orchard fruits, spice and bit of oak. A tiny bite at the end before it leaves me with a dried fruit ashtray.
I’ve purchased a few bottles with a group of people and this is one of them. That practice will net you anywhere from 4 to 6 ounces, depending how many people are in. And, after tasting this, I’m not so sure I should have split this bottle… it’s delicious!!
Ardmore is thankfully one of common-ish distilleries that sell to independent bottlers and companies like Gordon & MacPhail have sure put out great examples. I’ve tasted a few Ardmore whiskies that are in the young 20s, and they have generally all been great whiskies, so I was happy to see this 19-Year come to a local shop.
It’s always tough buying blind but you can do a certain amount of research that it’s possible to make an educated gamble on the quality of the spirit in the bottle. That doesn’t always pay off, but when it does… it feels great.
Details: Refill Sherry Hogshead. Cask 599. Bottled for The Strath’s 20th Anniversary (a hotel and liquor store in Victoria, BC).
Tasting Notes (Official): Rich citrus zest aromas intertwine with cured meats and a hint of coffee. Red berries combine with sicilian lime and dark chocolate. A medium-bodied finish with mint and apple.
Tasted 7 February 2024. (Posted 8 February 2024.)
