Ardmore 2009 15 Years Old Artist #15 The Dark Side Of The Moon 700ml

57.0% ABV, 700ml. Scotland. Distillery: Ardmore.

The only peated whisky in the Artist #15 range dedicated to sherry cask maturation, this single malt shines a spotlight on Ardmore distillery. Founded in 1898 by Adam Teacher, west of Aberdeen, it has been equipped since 1974 with four wash stills and four spirit stills. Until 2002, its pot stills were still heated by direct coal fire. Acquired in 2005 by the Suntory Global Spirits group, the distillery also produces from April to August a second unpeated single malt, Ardlair, mainly destined for blending. Highly expressive, this version showcases a peat that gradually melts into malty, spicy, and chocolatey nuances.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Rich and powerful. Initially, blocks of dry, herbal peat and intense smoke dominate the aromatic palette. Then, it evolves toward more cereal-driven (barley), saline, and fruity notes (orange zest, apricot). With aeration, it becomes chocolatey and spicy (clove, Cayenne pepper).

Appearance: vieil or à reflets cuivrés.

Palate: Concentrated and smooth. Less dominant but still present, the peat expresses itself with more rooty (gentian) and lactic (barley porridge) notes. Over time, the flavour profile turns tropical (ripe banana), honeyed (lavender), and floral (broom, mimosa). This evolution remains veiled in a gentle layer of smoke (burning cigar).

Overall: Serene and accomplished. Starting on medicinal notes (iodine tincture), the peat gradually fades to reveal more vegetal notes reminiscent of salt meadows. Both pastoral and mineral (slate), the retro-olfaction highlights all the power and strong personality of Ardmore’s single malt.

La Maison du Whisky

La Maison du Whisky (often abbreviated as LMDW) is a highly respected French independent bottler, importer and distributor of premium whiskies and fine spirits. Founded in 1956, the company has progressively grown from a small Paris shop, to international trader of spirits on a national, European, and finally global scale – establishing its position on the world stage via its Singapore subsidiary and its LM&V (La Maison & Velier) joint-venture. With curiosity and innovation as guiding principles, La Maison du Whisky is always growing its expertise and know-how; providing training, organising Whisky Live Paris and publishing guides, catalogues and Whisky Magazine since 2004.