As we’ve previously mentioned, Ardnamurchan Distillery, located in the western Highlands, was established in 2014 and began distilling on July of that year. Founded by the independent bottler Adelphi, the distillery features a two-tonne semi-lauter stainless steel mashtun with a copper canopy, along with seven washbacks: four wooden (three made from Oregon pine and one from oak) and three stainless steel. Ardnamurchan operates with a single pair of stills – a 10,000 L wash still and a 6,000 L spirit still – now fitted with stainless steel sub-coolers. Their inaugural release debuted in October 2020, and in 2024, to mark their 10th anniversary, the distillery released its first 10-year-old single malt: the Ardnamurchan AD/10 10th Anniversary Edition.
Arnamurchan AD/10 10th Anniversary Edition Review
The Ardnamurchan AD/10 10th Anniversary Edition is crafted exclusively from unpeated malt and matured for 10 years in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and Paul Launois barriques. This release, with an outturn of 15,000 bottles, is bottled at 50% ABV, unchill-filtered, and naturally coloured. Priced at around €69/£65, it remains available for purchase.
Colour:
Deep gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose opens with a lovely waxy character, accompanied by malt and a medley of tropical fruits – mango, pineapple, guava, and overripe banana. Subtle floral notes emerge, alongside a distinctive influence from the Paul Launois casks, recognisable if you’ve tried their dedicated releases. There’s a touch of vanilla pastry and delicate mineral undertones.
With water: Chalky notes become more pronounced, with hints of fermenting white grapes and creamy custard adding depth.
Palate:
Neat: The waxy texture carries through to the palate, joined by a gentle wave of spices that builds after a few seconds without becoming overpowering. Notes of buttered toast, mango, apricot yogurt, white grape, and blood orange unfold, all wrapped in a rich, buttery character reminiscent of shortbread. Subtle mineral undertones emerge, with the waxy mouthfeel evolving into a light chalkiness.
With water: The addition of water brings out a fleeting sweetness before bright citrus notes like lime juice and pink grapefruit take centre stage. A touch of pepper and chilli as well.
Finish:
Medium in length, gradually mellowing the spiciness from the palate’s later stages. Astringent and mineral-driven, with chalky notes complemented by a subtle touch of honey and a hint of chocolate.
Comments:
Releasing a 10-year-old whisky in their 10th year of production is an impressive milestone in itself, but Ardnamurchan went a step further. Instead of opting for a single cask or a limited micro-batch at an exorbitant price, they produced 15,000 bottles priced at an accessible €70/£65—a remarkable achievement. And it doesn’t stop there. The Ardnamurchan AD/10 10th Anniversary Edition is an excellent whisky, boasting a splendid nose and a palate that, while slightly overshadowed by the nose, remains very enjoyable. With bottles still available, it’s well worth picking up—you won’t be disappointed. Although I haven’t explored much from Ardnamurchan yet, everything I’ve tried so far has been very good (including the Ardnamurchan AD/07.21:05), and this release is no exception.