Ardmore Legacy | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in quarter casks, which contributes to its flavor profile.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but suggested to be older than the minimum three years due to its flavor complexity.
Color and Clarity: Not described in detail.
Bottle Design: Features the Ardmore distillery's coat of arms, which includes a copper eagle. The label also references the historical significance of the railway to the distillery.

Balance of Flavors: Described as welcoming and balanced, with no overpowering alcohol note.
Unique Characteristics: Lightly peated with 10 to 15 ppm, presenting a smoky flavor that is likened to a burnt-out bonfire with a hint of heather. This gives it a slightly sweet, somewhat "rotten" note, which is hard to describe but is attributed to the natural scent of wet heather.
Comparison: It's positioned as an entry-level, lightly peated whisky, making it suitable for those looking to explore smoky whiskies without the intensity found in heavily peated options.

Interesting Anecdotes: The Ardmore distillery's establishment was significantly influenced by the construction of the railway in the Highlands, which facilitated the shipping of whisky. This historical detail is commemorated on the whisky's label.
Trivia: Ardmore is one of the few distilleries in the Highlands producing lightly peated malt, and its whisky plays a leading role in Teacher's Highland Cream blended whisky.

Historical Context: The Ardmore distillery's connection to the railway highlights the transformative impact of transportation infrastructure on the Scotch whisky industry, particularly in remote regions like the Highlands.

"It's very hard to determine the ppm levels... it's very lightly peated and it has a light kind of smoke." - Horst Luening
"It feels a little bit older, but maybe that's just because they have some tannins in there and some bittersweet notes to it." - Ben Luening
"This is an entry malt for somebody trying to approach the smoke... it's not too hefty but it's not too weak." - Horst Luening

Ardmore Legacy is a lightly peated single malt Scotch whisky from the Highlands, matured in quarter casks.
It features a balanced flavor profile with light peat smoke, heather, and a hint of sweetness.
The distillery's history is closely tied to the development of the railway in the Highlands, a fact celebrated on the whisky's label.
Described as an entry-level whisky ideal for those new to smoky flavors, with a complexity suggesting it's aged longer than the minimum requirement.
Priced accessibly, making it an attractive option for beginners and those interested in exploring lightly peated Scotch.

Beginners to Peated Whisky: Ideal for those curious about smoky whiskies but wary of the intensity found in heavily peated options.
Value Seekers: With its low to mid-20s price point, it's a great choice for whisky enthusiasts looking for quality without a high cost.
Scotch Whisky Collectors: Those interested in the historical and cultural significance of their whiskies might appreciate Ardmore Legacy's unique story and its role in Teacher's Highland Cream.