Ardnamurchan AD/ Sauternes Cask Release Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

We know that peat and sweet sherry are a fabulous mix, so why not try peated spirit with a sweet wine like Sauternes? This small-batch release of 8460 bottles was matured in 29 ex-Bourbon casks for three years before being carefully re-racked into sweet white wine barriques for a further 3.5 years. It was summed up by one taster as "rich, decadent, coastal smokey whisky." 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

Other reviews... Nose: A hint of petrichor alongside gentle farm-y notes. There’s some straw with slivers of silage too. The whiffs of pineapple, melon and chamomile are very pleasing, but there’s also an earthiness. We’re ending things of yellow plums and heathery smoke. Taste: Slightly dry. Not as full-bodied as you’d expect. Also a tad more ashy than I’d like. But then hints of sultanas, dunnage notes and smoked paprika powder. There are tangerines too, smoke-infused vanilla custard and gentle honey notes. Eminently drinkable. Finish: Medium to long. Hints of beachy bonfires, sea shells and soft floral notes. While I expected a slightly richer experience, there’s an elegance and balance here that’s really appealing. - wordsofwhisky.com

Notes from the producers... Nose: Lime leaf, lemon balm, shortbread, hay bales. Pineapple upside-down-cake, desiccated coconut, crème de pêche. Stem ginger syrup, pencil shavings,tobacco. Palate: Nutmeg, dried ginger, orange blossom water. Smoked manuka honey, lemon meringue pie, salted cashew nuts. Tajin seasoning, Creamola foam, Tizer. Hickory wood, farmy smoke, earthy depth. Finish: Spicy, punchy, bright. A luscious, decadent dram.