Ardnahoe Inaugural Release 5 Years Old is a single malt Scotch from Ardnahoe Distillery, founded in 2016 on Islay’s northeast coast near Port Askaig. The whisky comes from a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, with part of the maturation taking place in Islay’s coastal climate. It is bottled at 50% ABV with a suggested price of $90.
The sweetness conceals the cask strength – you could enjoy a few drams easily. I’m interested to see future releases, and hopefully some more mature age statement bottlings, from Ardnahoe – this distillery is one to watch.
This first-ever release is, however, a little on the expensive side for my budget. Yet with limited bottles available, and all the hype surrounding this new distillery, it’s price is understandable enough. All in all, I certainly enjoyed this whisky, and I look forward to tasting more of what Ardnahoe has to offer in the future.
Baking spice and dark berry jam arrive on the midpalate alongside a bit of tarry chimney soot and coal ash. The finish is generous and energetic with lemon oil, cocoa powder, and a lingering sweet peat. An impressive debut that sets the bar high for what’s to come from this new-ish Islay outpost.
