Ardmore Releases Exceptional 25-Year Old Single-Malt

Scottish Highland distillery Ardmore has been coming on strong the last few years with a terrific non-age-stated single-malt whisky it markets as Ardmore Traditional Cask. Now, it has complimented its portfolio with a cask strength 25-year old.

Ardmore has long been the principal single-malt contributor to Teacher's blended whisky. But a few years ago, seizing the popularity of single-malts, it started distributing its own expression. Previously it also released a highly regarded 30-year old, priced about $450.

Ardmore is a unique player in Scotland in that it is the only Highland distillery still using peat in its malting. Rather than coming through strong like an Islay malt, though, Ardmore's peatiness is more leathery than smoky. It is an utterly unique flavor among Scotch whiskies.

The 25-year old carries through the Ardmore signature but the spiciness and citrus that aren't s much in evidence in Traditional are incredibly well done in this older expression. And then there is the streak of smoke and leather jetting through. A first-class job.

Look for Ardmore 25-year old in duty-free and some of the better whisky shops in major cities. Price: About $195.