Mossburn Ardmore Distillery 2008 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

No coastal influence here, but plenty of peat! Ardmore Distillery is in the Eastern Highlands and stands out because most of its spirit is made from peated barley fermented in 14 wooden washbacks. There is an initial smokiness from the phenols in the barley re-enforced by being aged in re-used Islay barrels. This lifts the woodsmoke elements which are then balanced out with some light vanilla and apple notes. More smoky flavors and sweeter touches are evident in the flavor with a light hint of cloves and woody cinnamon in the finish.

Not the most picturesque of distilleries, Craigellachie Distillery is however ideally situated at the fork of the Spey and Fiddich Rivers. Its spirit is weighty even at birth from the long fermentation and adds floral and fruit weight as it matures. This bottling from refill hogsheads offers pungent fresh cereal with white pepper/gunsmoke notes, following up with boiled sweets, toffee malt and finishing with a little kick of fire