AD/ Madeira Cask Release

Ardnamurchan built its reputation on experimentation — this Madeira Cask Release exemplifies that philosophy. The distillery filled ex-bourbon barrels from early 2018 with a roughly 60% unpeated and 40% peated spirit blend, then re-racked into Madeira casks for two years. The result balances sweetness and salt without heaviness or excessive length.

On the nose, strawberry and raspberry emerge with vanilla cream, cocoa powder, and sugared almonds, layered with nutmeg and red berries. The palate reveals cinnamon and sweet notes, supported by cedarwood and salted nuts, chocolate biscuits, and toffee with a hint of rosemary. Black pepper cuts against the fruitiness. The finish is lightly drying and flavourful, restrained rather than overwhelming.

This is no gimmick — it plays your taste buds like a pinball machine, with the Madeira finish binding sweetness and salt while the underlying peat keeps the experience grounded and complex.