Ardnahoe Infinite Loch Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"...this first ‘regular’ version is rather brilliant." - whiskyfun.com

The first core range expression from the distillery, Infinite Loch has been matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Beyond the inaugural release, it's the core range bottlings that can really establish a benchmark in consumer's minds, so the intention here is to set a very high standard that leaves a strong impression. By all reports Ardnahoe have succeeded. There’s no age statement, but we'd expect the liquid to be around 5 years old. It comes bottled with zero chill-filtration at 50%, with a price/quality ratio that competes with anything from Islay. Despite the high ABV and its youth, the balance is said to be impeccable.

Other reviews... This is the third release from Ardnahoe, with the first two being very much to my taste. For a distillery, an 'infinite' loch can only be a blessing, even on Islay, if you recall the droughts of the late 1960s that forced distilleries to shut down. Here, Ardnahoe evokes a loch infinite in its depths, though as long as they don’t start conjuring up Ardbeg-style legends, we’re safe—no sixteen-armed freshwater octopus or Islay Nessie, thankfully! Colour: pale gold. Nose: incredible, I find it very ‘West Coast’ as well as distinctly Islay. In short, West of Scotland, East of Islay. There’s a slightly oily, robust quality, yet with the grace and precision of a gymnast. Smoked oysters are very present, perhaps some mussels too, crabs from the Sound, seaweed, followed by bergamot, oranges, wet chalk, and clay... With water: more wet chalk and that famous old tweed jacket from the Islay Woollen Mill, one that’s seen plenty of rain, storms, and vintages. Mouth (neat): this is superb. Green pepper, oranges, grapefruits, seafood, lightly oily smoke, almonds, green apples, sushi, and a hint of green olive... With water: a few more spices, cinnamon, turmeric, a touch of ginger, and then some Kildalton tar. Finish: long, salty, somewhat rich and oily, with more smoked fish. Comments: while it can’t quite match the surprise of the Inaugural Release, this first ‘regular’ version is rather brilliant. I’ll add that it only needs a drop of water—best not to drown it. 88 points - whiskyfun.com

...This is a real and brilliant core range release and a very positive statement from Hunter Laing’s hilltop Islay whisky haven... At the price being asked it can go toe-to-toe with anything - and I mean anything - from Islay and compete. In time I’m sure more maturity and poise will come with this bottling but we needn’t demand it, it’s already a cracking entry.  The 5yo Inaugural was better; slightly richer and more together but this is cleaner, brighter and more honest, and the slightly mineralic side is lovely to sit with... It takes water so very well, retaining a decent mouthfeel and sharpening some of the fruit, but honestly it hides its 50% ABV so well few of you will reach for the jug, teaspoon, dropper, fingertips or what-have-you. - dramface.com

Notes from the producers... Sea-spray, Islay peat and dark chocolate on the nose. Menthol, fresh fruits and bonfire notes on the palate lead into a smoky, zesty finish.