Ardmore 12 Years Old 1986
100th Anniversary
Ardmore 12 Years Old 1986
Famous for being the heart of the Teachers blend, Ardmore was rarely recognised as a single malt until recently. This Limited edition 12-year-old distilled in 1986 was bottled to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the distillery in 1999 (built in 1899).
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible notes: "Brilliant. Absolutely stunning, with the peat almost playing games on the palate. Had they not put caramel in this bottling, it most likely would have been an award winner. So, by this time next year, I fully expect to see every last bottle accounted for... 94 points out of 100"
Refer to images for general condition
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.
