Ardnamurchan Maclean & Bruce Limited 5 Year Old 2018 – Adelphi (70cl, 58%)

A single malt from Ardnamurchan in the Highlands, distilled in 2018 and bottled in 2024 at 58% ABV in a 70cl bottle. Adelphi selected it, and it combines two first fill sherry butts, numbers 1059 and 1263, at cask strength. Only 1,403 bottles were released. It is described as maritime and gourmand, with smoky and woody notes. The nose is salty and moreish: smoked fish, a struck match, undergrowth, cheese rind, melted raclette, salt and vinegar crisps, balsamic vinegar and tobacco leaf. The palate brings black liquorice, pipe tobacco, wet slate, graphite, cut wood, an old leather armchair and cigar. The finish is musky and oily.