2015 Single Cask Nation Ardnamurchan 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

One of the older Ardnas' to come our way. The mineral-maritime note so familiar and loved in younger bottlings is barely diminished by age: Oyster shells, wet rocks, a touch of potpourri, the peat oily and understated, the intensity dropping several notches after exposure. Lashings of the same on the tongue with a potent salted-malt drive that includes flashes of baked apple, pepper and smoked dark chocolate. The oils build and melt into the finish giving this a seamlessness that belies its youth. A slightly more malt-focussed expression, perhaps, though the tongue tingling coastal vibrancy is very much intact, particularly at the finish. 207 bottles from a first-fill bourbon barrel. 59% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 25ml sample.