Whisky Focus - Ardnahoe Inaugural Release

Ardnahoe distillery, which is located between Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain distillery's in the north east corner of Islay went into production in 2018 and at the time was the first new distillery to open on the Isle of Islay since Kilchoman 13 years earlier. Now 6  years on since going into production the distillery has announced the release of their first whisky, appropriately named 'Ardnahoe Inaugural Release'.

Ardnahoe Inaugural Release was crafted employing time-honoured techniques overseen by distillery manager Fraser Hughes. Drawing soft peated Islay loch water from the nearby Loch Ardnahoe, the distillery distinguishes itself by rather uniquely utilising two traditional worm-tub condensers to enhance the spirit with an additional layer of flavour and complexity.

The Ardnahoe Inaugural Release is a 5 Year Old single malt, and given that around 80% of Ardnahoe's new make spirit is laid down to mature in bourbon casks and the rest is laid down to mature mainly in sherry casks, it comes as no surprise that the Ardnahoe Inaugural Release was matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks.

Ardnahoe produces a range of single malt whiskies from unpeated to peated with the phenol levels of the malt which they source from Port Ellen Maltings ranging from 5ppm to 40ppm, the distillery tells me that the Inaugural Release has been produced at the top end of this peat range, 40ppm, so I am sure the peaty whisky fans amongst you will be pleased to hear that.

The Ardnahoe Inaugural Release 5 Year Old has been bottled at 50% ABV, non chill-filtered and naturally coloured, they have not disclosed how many bottles will be available but if they do tell me I will let you know. What I can tell you is that the Inaugural Release is the first in a series of releases to come from Ardnahoe in the coming months.

I haven't had the chance to taste it yet so I cant comment on its quality or indeed how peaty and sherried it is but you would be hoping for something rather special given its price tag of £70 for a bottle, there is a short tasting note from the distillery below, you will soon find the Ardnahoe Inaugural Release 5 Year Old available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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