Ardmore Premier Barrel 12 year old | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ardmore, an independent bottling by Douglas Lang.
Type: Single cask, lightly smoky whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Aged for 12 years, details on the specific distillation and maturation process are not provided.
Age Statement: 12 years.
Color and Clarity: Uncolored, unchill filtered, but specific color details are not mentioned.
Bottle Design: Presented in an old replica bottle style reminiscent of the era before glass bottles became popular, with a glossy, shiny finish on a clay or similar material bottle to prevent evaporation. The bottle features a very good plastic cap on the cork, ensuring tight sealing.

Balance of Flavors: Lightly smoky with light spicy notes, welcoming and not too strong.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky is described as lightly sweet, mouth-filling, with a little spicy and peppery longer aftertaste. The 46% alcohol content is noted to drive the taste effectively.
Comparison: While specific comparisons are not made, it is noted as one of the smoky whiskies from the Highlands, contributing to the Teachers Highland Cream blend.

Interesting Anecdotes: The reviewer shares an anecdote about the bottle's cork popping like a champagne bottle due to the difference in air pressure between Scotland and their location, highlighting the tight sealing of the bottle.

Historical Context: Ardmore distillery was founded in 1890 and primarily produces for the blended whisky industry. It has a history of selling to independent bottlers and blenders.
Geographical Significance: Ardmore is located in the Highlands, contributing to its identity as a Highland whisky, though there's some ambiguity about its exact classification due to geographical boundaries.

Opinions: The reviewer, Horst Luening, appreciates the whisky's light smokiness and balance, noting it as welcoming and not too strong.
Quotes: "It's smoky on the cork already," and "Lightly sweet, mouth-filling in the aftertaste."

Ardmore Premier Barrel is a 12-year-old, lightly smoky single cask whisky independently bottled by Douglas Lang.
It features an old replica bottle design with a glossy finish to prevent evaporation.
The flavor profile is lightly sweet and spicy, with a peppery aftertaste, driven by a 46% alcohol content.
The whisky has a historical and geographical significance as a Highland whisky contributing to blends like Teachers Highland Cream.
The review includes an anecdote about the bottle's sealing and the importance of the bottle's design to prevent evaporation.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring lightly smoky Highland whiskies with a unique bottle design.
For Collectors: The unique bottle design and the story behind its sealing mechanism may appeal to collectors.
For Gift Givers: Recommended as a specialty gift due to its representative bottle and interesting backstory.