TN: Ardnahoe 5yo (Islay's newest distillery)

Despite my recent taste of a 27yo Laphroaig, I do like young smoky whisky very much. 5yo Ardbeg and 8yo Lagavulin are of course famous and well-liked. But I just tried Islay's newest distillery's inaugural release: Ardnahoe 5yo. And it is seriously yummy. Aged in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks; bottled at 50% abv; no added colour. Strong smoke and peat on the nose, savoury and peppery, delightful seaweed aromas, quite refined for a young Islay; almost oily rich on the palate, very few rough edges despite just 5yo. Very Islay. Almost elegant though the Islay profile really isn't an elegant one. The sherry sweetness really shines on the finish even though this isn't a strongly sherried whisky on the whole. This is a very strong inaugural release IMO. Even as a 5yo this is hugely enjoyable. For those of us who like the smokey whiskies on the young side: buy now and enjoy as this is amazing stuff. For those who like the peaty Islay stuff but don't like the intensity of young whisky: remember the name and come back in 3-5 years and I think you might have something interesting for you too.
 
Top