West Highland distillery launches its first single malt
A WEST Highland distillery has released its first single malt whisky.
Ardnamurchan Distillery, at Glenbeg on the rugged westerly peninsula, launched its inaugural single malt last month, six years after production first began.
The distillery produces two signature styles of spirit: one peated and one unpeated; and the Ardnamurchan single malt is said to comprise a 50/50 split of each, matured in a 65%/35% mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry oak casks.
Tasting notes for the single malt, which is bottled at 46.8% ABV, non chill-filtered and naturally coloured, include honeycomb, waxy peel, oyster shells, brine, strawberries with black pepper and bonfire embers.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Ardnamurchan managing director Alex Bruce said the distillery is designed to produce a “full-flavoured malt true to its location” in the west Highlands.
“When we filled the first spirit into casks, just over six years ago, the concept of being able to disgorge those casks into bottles seemed very distant,” he said.
“However, we have had an incredible journey, building our 100% local team, filling the warehouses with over 10,000 casks and preparing national and international distribution.
“We relied on the unique local maturation climate to do the rest, and are really excited by the quality and consistency that has been reached.”
Ardnamurchan Distillery is owned by independent whisky bottler Adelphi.
