Ardnamurchan Heritage Barley

Description

A bold, heritage-driven single malt from Ardnamurchan Distillery: the “Heritage Barley” release celebrates the traditional Scottish barley variety and bourbon-cask maturation. This unpeated expression is crafted using 100% malted barley of the historic Golden Promise variety, matured exclusively in ex-American bourbon barrels, and bottled at cask strength (59.2 % ABV), with no colouring and no chill filtration.

This whisky represents Ardnamurchan in its purest form — grain-forward, rich, and full-bodied.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Opens with freshly baked milk-chocolate digestives and glacé cherries, layered with lime cordial and a dusting of icing sugar on marzipan. Notes of apricot jam, melted butter on sourdough toast with acacia honey, as well as hints of salted preserved lemons and a light whisper of cut grass, provide depth and intrigue.
• Palate: A chewy, oily mouthfeel carries forward the sweetness — sugared almonds, salted cashews, and subtle pistachios blend with creamy marzipan. Rich orange polenta cake and baked apples emerge, accompanied by refreshing fizzy-lemonade like citrus sweetness and a gentle spice undertone. Some tasters also mention a Peshwari-naan–like note, giving a hint of exotic warmth and texture.
• Finish: The finish is oily, luscious, and well balanced; medium in length. It leaves behind soft orchard fruits, sweet nuttiness, and the very last sip hints at espresso — a satisfying, lingering goodbye.

Overall Character:

Ardnamurchan Heritage Barley is a creamy, nutty, and fruit-forward Highland single malt. The Golden Promise barley gives it a rich, malty sweetness and oily texture, while bourbon-barrel maturation adds vanilla, toasted nuts, and subtle citrus. Its unpeated profile makes it approachable and smooth — yet cask strength ensures depth and complexity for those who enjoy a powerful dram.