Today we’re trying two peated whiskies from Claxton’s Exploration Series. It supposedly contains some adventurous / lesser known distilleries and regions, although Ardmore isn’t exactly an outsider. The STR barrique is not a common choice though. Our second dram is Seventeen Smoky Stills, a blended malt.
Ardmore 11 yo 2009 (50%, Claxton’s ‘Exploration series’ for High Spirits 2021, STR barrique finish)
Nose: some stewed yellow fruit sweetness, but largely overtaken by charred oak, burnt rosemary and hints of mint. Then a little vanilla, citrus and a slight dustiness, in between pepper, dried grass and freshly sawn oak. Subtle hints of coal ashes and cocoa in the background.
Mouth: sweet peat smoke, quite warming but still showing this refreshing minty side. More scorched herbs and black pepper. Hints of almonds and some creamy notes. Then back to honey and sweet lemon, with a muddy note and ashes towards the end.
Finish: reasonably long, with dry ashy notes and burnt nuts, as well as a mild sweetness of malt and cocoa.
Decent Ardmore, not exceptional in any way, but a good daily dram for wintertime. Balanced smoke and the STR is not too invasive. Still available here and there for around € 80. I got a sample from Whiskysite.nl
Seventeen Smoky Stills 6 yo 2017 (50%, Claxton’s ‘Exploration series’ 2024, Oloroso sherry hogsheads)
Nose: an immature first impression. Hints of hickory wood smoke, with mezcal and a slightly disturbing sourness. Gherkins, along with salted fish. There’s a beach bonfire and hints of cod oil too. Hints of syrupy fruits in the distance, but overall the sherry influence is pretty uncommon.
Mouth: still a bit unbalanced. Barbecue smoke with red berries, burnt apples and charred apricots. Still a hint of sourness. A little salted caramel, cold coffee and earthy, laefy peat. I’m getting a hint of these burnt edges of sawn wood again.
Finish: medium length, on bonfire smoke, briny notes and herbs.
I’ve read this contains Caol Ila and Inchfad. The latter hasn’t convinced me often, and the former isn’t strong enough to save it. It doesn’t really work for me. Score: 74/100