Ardnamurchan AD/Paul Launois 2026 Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"Delicate, understated, complex and classy. Take some time out with this one." - whiskybase.com

As far as unpeated Ardnamurchans go, year in year out, the Paul Launois release seems to be the most representative, and the most popular. This is the fifth instalment, matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished for around 14 months in x-Grand Cru Champagne barriques. There is something about unpeated Ardna' that makes it incredibly approachable, offering a softer side that conveys a buttery, shortbread-like character, especially on the nose. The palate is disarmingly light for a natural strength malt, with those same notes counterpointed by a little orchard fruit, citrus, a saline mineral finish and what feels like drifts of smoke. The best of the series so far - at least, that's what a number of online comments have reported. Given all of the above, it makes you wonder why they don't do more of it? 5726 bottles released at 57.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 25ml sample.

Other reviews... Ardnamurchan continues the path with Paul Launois and justifiably so, as the results are pretty decent. The good thing about the maturation in these Champagne casks is that it brings an extra layer to an already excellent whisky. That should always be the added value of using exotic casks over regular bourbon. This one has a sour note that is really elevated by the excellent spirit of this distillery. Playing with water is recommended to utilize the full potential of this bottling. I tried this sample on the same day as the new Sherry Cask release, and must say the price-quality is better covered by the more traditional sherry expression. But that, one must say, is truly a different beast (peated, sherried) compared to this more elegant style. Truly PX versus Champagne. A good display of varieties from which you yourself can choose favorites. The Paul Launois batches I will gladly keep on following , but a whole bottle is for now not my preference. Having said that, this is a softer, sour, fizzy kind of malt, and rather unique. Perfect balance. - whiskybase.com