On the twentieth day of the Dramcalendar, we have the Ardmore 1988, bottled by Gordon & Company as part of their ‘The Pearls of Scotland’ bottling series.

The official 25 Years Old Ardmore (bottled in 2008) is currently still available, but besides that one, older expressions from Ardmore are kinda rare these days. All the more I am looking forward to today’s expression, although the angels took more than their fair share – assuming it was indeed bottled at cask strength.

Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	Ardmore 1988
Bottler:	Gordon & Company
Bottling Series:	The Pearls of Scotland
Vintage:	April 1988
Bottled:	February 2014
Age:	25 Years Old
Category:	Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery:	Ardmore
Cask No.:	2455
No. of Bottles:	300
Strength:	45.0% Vol.
Colored:	No
Chill Filtered:	No

Nose

Definitely no peat monster, the peated smokiness is very subtle. Applewood smoked bacon rind and coal briquettes, backed up by old leather and citrus fruits. Hints of vinegar, mountain herbs and mint in the back.

Taste

Unexpected strong. The peat is a tad more pronounced. The creamy-sweetness of vanilla together with pepper and salt. Followed by sugared citrus zest, herbs, and a whiff of grapefruit.

Finish

Long. Very smooth and sweetish. Heather, coffee and hints of wood smoke.

Overall

Very complex, yet very balanced. This is one of those drams you can sniff and sip for hours and still find something new in it. Just great!

Score: 90 / 100