Aird Mhor (Ardmore) 20 Years Old 1998

Built during the whisky boom of the 1890s by Adam Teacher, Ardmore’s main role was to provide malt for the Highland Cream blended scotch. The remote location near Huntly was overcome by the nearby Northern railway line that allowed access to blending houses further south. Ardmore is fairly unique in that it has remained peated, while other Speyside and Highland distilleries have stepped away from the influence. It’s also been resistant to many changes throughout the industry with the Saladin maltings remaining in operation until 1976 and the stills being direct-fired until 2002. Now under the ownership of Beam Suntory, Ardmore retains a modest official presence on the single malt market, leaving independent bottlers to showcase what it can truly do.