Ardmore 9 Year Old When The Eagles Watch 58.5%

Ardmore is celebrated as the peated Highland single malt Scotch – and this ex-Islay cask bottling really accentuates the smoke. Distilled back in 2012, it’s at that sweet spot where it’s retaining its youthful vibrancy, but the oak maturation has rounded off any corners nicely. Non-chill-filtered and bottled at natural colour, it’s a fun dram and one with layers of flavour to unwrap with both time and the addition of a few drops of water.

Nose: Deliciously savoury with burnt toast, pine forest and even a suggestion of brine. A dusting of coconut and a smattering of Danish pastry crumbs come through later.

Palate: The nose evolves with the addition of a touch more dark fruit, but also a dried seaweed quality. There’s a salinity in with the barbeque smoke.

Finish: Medium length with black pepper developing.