Whisky review : Ardmore Traditional Cask Highland, bottled @ 46%

Whisky review : Ardmore Traditional Cask Highland, bottled @ 46%

-Great price
-might have caramel
-non-chill filtered
-You can really see that its the main component of the Teacher's Highland Cream !
-Must buy for the price point

Colour : amber gold, a bit dark....either the Sherry influence or some caramel. If it is caramel, then it's sad...considering the non-chill and 46% APV....

Nose : Peat, spicy peat, sweet apple, medicinal oil, it's peat but not like Ardbeg...fresher warmer peat. It's not from Islay but has a clear Islay disposition to it ! Still it remains spirity on the nose, a little off-putting, it would benefit from a few more years in the cask.

Mouth: Very nice peat, not too strong neat, but still rough around the edges at 46. Some kind of medium sherry, definitely some wood, but not the oak here...Sherry. Has some highland traits, spices, influence of the Sherry cask for sure ! Bottom line its a peat arrival but overturned by Sherry. The Sherry takes control of the palate even if the peat is the front runner.....very interesting spirit ! After a few minutes in the glass it sets down to a more creamy-sherry peat smell and flavour. Sweet and tangly peated sherry, I'd even say a kind of creme brulée impression on the nose....very interesting indeed.....

Finish: nice Sherry finish, but not too strong. Peat remains but does not stick as much as an Islay. Sherry spicy and hints of peats lingering there....nice for a young spirit.

A for the taste, Islay disposition with Highland surroundings and Sherried core !
A+ for the price. At 44$ it's very good for a once a year release.
B+ for presentation. Good packaging but nothing fancy. I'd like to read : No colouring added on the boxing.