Ardmore

Ardmore is a large Victorian distillery, its heft and scale sticking out from its rural surroundings. It is the last distillery to adopt a peated Highland malt style, and the second-last distillery to retain coal fires under its stills.

About

A product of maintaining a clear wort and lengthy fermentation in wooden washbacks, Ardmore possesses peat balanced by a gentle apple/floral lift. An unpeated variant called Ardlair is made following the success. Fire plays a role in creating a heavy, mid-palate weight, alongside the downward-facing lyne arms. For seven months, the distillery team creates newly kinked steam coils to replicate the 'hot spots' in the stills which contributed to the flavors. This is done after the fires are put out.

History

Ardmore was built in 1898 by Adam Teacher, the son of William Teacher, a Glasgow blender. It was built on land owned by a family friend with plentiful natural resources and has stayed here ever since. Their hit blend is popular globally with main markets in India and Brazil, prompting an increase in the number of stills. In 1976, Ardmore became part of Allied Distillers stable. In 2006, Allied was dismembered, causing the distillery to be sold to Beam Suntory. In 2014, they had officially become part of the new Beam Suntory portfolio. Being a part of blend throughout its life meant that Ardmore doesn't really have a standalone presence. Small scale releases of bottlings exist; although relatively unknown, it is enjoyed by a small group of dedicated single malt connoisseurs.

Highland Region

Highland is the greatest of all whisky regions and provides a huge variety of different flavours and characters. It goes from the lighter whiskies all the way through salty coastal malts.

While malts from the West Highland distilleries tend to have a sweet start and dryish finish, the far North Highland malts character are greatly influenced by the local soil and the coastal location of the distilleries giving light bodied whiskies with a spicy character and a dryish finish, sometimes with a trace of saltiness. Central, Southern and Eastern Highland malt whiskies are generally quite a mixed bunch. Fruity and sweet. They are lighter bodied with a tendency to have a dry finish.