10/03/2021 Ardnamurchan

Ardnamurchan 5yo 2015/2020 (46.8%, OB, 65% Bourbon & 35% PX & Oloroso Sherry Casks, B#AD/09.20:01, 15978b, b#13122): nose: some lovely ink-stained plasticine, modelling clay, dyed in fruity red wine, which would be -- dare I say? -- tertiary. Behind that, lies a sprinkle of fine ash. Then, pickled produce grow in intensity (olives, onions, bell peppers). It never strays too far away from the clay, mind, and that is pleasant indeed. Recently-sharpened colour pencils and crayons, a mix of watercolour and linseed oil (which makes no sense), and what appears to be distant oregano. Later on, gently-smoky melted toffee shows up, unless it is baking fudge. In any case, it works a (quality's) treat (toffee; Quality Street, see? Ho-ho-ho!) A drop of red-wine vinegar and cured meat make a late entrance. Mouth: it is surprisingly potent, at 46.8%, acidic and muddy. All the earth from the nose is here: the clay, the plasticine, as well as the red wine -- and they are wonderfully combined to deliver what resembles pickled plums or prune liqueur. The red-wine vinegar from the nose is so subtle it is hardly worth mentioning, but, on the the other hand, it has glowing embers, cold ashes from burnt paper, and the thinnest veil of smoke. This is refined and balanced, with the texture of natural fruit juice. Finish: still earthy, still vaguely wine-y, this finish also has melted dark chocolate for my great pleasure. It is soft, sweet, coating and slightly bitter. What is left on the walls of the mouth tastes like a warming blend of dusty earth and chocolate shavings, with a minute quantity of ash, thrown in for fun. The finish is warming and comforting (given the weather today, that is most welcome), long and earthy. It is also spicy in a smoked-paprika sort of way; absolutely not overpowering. Very good drop and certainly promising. I cannot wait to try 20+yo expressions, even though I will have to be patient. I am tempted to rate this 8, but hey! Not tonight. 7/10 (Thanks for the dram, JS)