Ardnamurchan AD/ Peated Sauternes Cask Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Ardnamurchan AD/ Sauternes Cask Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky (50% ABV) is a distinctive Highland malt that marries coastal peat smoke with the honeyed richness of Sauternes dessert-wine casks. Bold yet elegant, it balances smoky maritime character with bright citrus, orchard fruit, and sweet wine-derived complexity. Bottled at a confident 50% ABV and produced in a limited batch, this release showcases Ardnamurchan Distillery’s modern approach to Scotch whisky—combining transparency, sustainability, and creative cask maturation.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Ardnamurchan Distillery is located on the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula on Scotland’s west coast, an isolated Highland region known for its rugged maritime climate. The distillery was established in 2014 by the Adelphi Distillery Company, quickly gaining recognition for producing both peated and unpeated spirit with a strong focus on sustainable production and traceable whisky.

The AD/ Sauternes Cask Peated expression begins with 100% peated malted barley, giving the whisky its smoky, coastal character. The spirit initially matured for about three years in ex-bourbon barrels, developing vanilla sweetness and orchard-fruit notes. It was then re-racked into ex-Sauternes barriques for approximately three and a half additional years, allowing the sweet Bordeaux dessert-wine casks to add richness, honeyed fruit, and spice.

The release was created from 29 ex-bourbon casks that were transferred to Sauternes casks, yielding a batch of roughly 8,460 bottles.

Like all Ardnamurchan bottlings, it is presented with a craft-focused philosophy:

• 50% ABV (100 proof)
• Natural colour
• Non-chill filtered

These choices preserve the whisky’s natural oils and mouthfeel while maintaining the distillery’s vibrant coastal style.

Critics Reviews

There are no widely published professional critic scores available.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Lime leaf, lemon balm, hay, and shortbread layered with pineapple cake, peach cream, and gentle peat smoke.

Palate:
Complex and vibrant with nutmeg, dried ginger, orange blossom water, smoked honey, lemon meringue, and salted cashews alongside maritime peat.

Finish:
Spicy and lively with lingering citrus sweetness, coastal smoke, and warming oak spice.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Smoked Honey Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz Ardnamurchan Sauternes Cask Peated
• ¼ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Preparation
Stir whisky, honey syrup, and bitters with ice until chilled. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish with expressed orange peel.

Peated Highland Highball

Ingredients

• 2 oz Ardnamurchan Sauternes Cask Peated
• 3 oz chilled soda water
• Lemon twist

Preparation
Build in a tall glass over ice. Add whisky, top with soda water, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon twist.