Ardmore – 2009 (bottled 2018) Wilson & Morgan Barrel Selection Heavy Peat (70cl, 46%)

This is a heavily peated Ardmore single malt from the Eastern Highlands, distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2018 for the Barrel Selection series by Wilson & Morgan. It is bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. The whisky matured for around nine years in oak casks and is bottled without chill filtration. The nose is intense, with medicinal peat smoke, coastal brine and charred wood, over heather honey, orchard fruits and vanilla. On the palate come earthy peat, bonfire embers and sea salt, balanced by malt sweetness, toffee and baked apple. The finish is long and warming, with smoke, dark chocolate and peppery spice.