Ardnahoe 5 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 1 - 70cl/60.9%

Ardnahoe Distillery, Islay’s ninth and newest, was founded by the Laing family (Hunter Laing & Co.) in 2018 on the northeast coast overlooking Loch Ardnahoe and the Sound of Islay. Construction began in 2016 on a four-acre site chosen for its pure peaty loch water. First spirit ran in October 2018, with cask #001 filled on 9 November 2018. The distillery features traditional methods, including the only worm-tub condensers on Islay, producing a classic peated style. Advised initially by Jim McEwan, it is managed by the Laing family with a focus on quality and tradition.

Ardnahoe 5 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 1 is the inaugural cask-strength release from this young Islay distillery. Matured exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels for five years, it is bottled at natural cask strength of 60.9% ABV, without chill-filtration or artificial colouring. Using peated malt (around 40 ppm) and worm-tub condensation, this Batch 1 showcases the distillery’s full, characterful spirit in its purest, most intense form.

Nosing: Coastal brine, earthy peat smoke and rich cocoa; sweet vanilla, orchard fruits and subtle tropical hints.

Palate: Powerful yet balanced; orchard fruits, herbal tea, salted caramel, creamy vanilla custard and cake batter; juicy sweetness with smoky depth and spice.

Finish: Long and smoky with citrus undertones, lingering peat, brine and warm oak.