Ardmore 26 Year Old 1997 SMoS Milroy's Exclusive 50.5% 70cl

Ardmore single malt Scotch whisky is a distinctive Highland malt with a character shaped by gentle peat smoke, traditional production methods, and a strong link to its rural origins. Founded in 1898 by Adam Teacher, son of William Teacher, the Glasgow blender behind the Teacher’s brand, Ardmore was established to supply malt whisky for blending, but its individuality has since earned it a following as a single malt in its own right.

Situated in Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire, Ardmore lies on the eastern edge of the Highlands, an area where peated whisky is less common than in Islay or the Islands. This makes its lightly peated style unusual and distinctive. The peat used at Ardmore is sourced from the local area, producing a gentler smoke influence than the maritime peat found on the west coast. The result is a whisky that combines smoky depth with Highland sweetness, making it approachable for those new to peat while still offering complexity for seasoned drinkers.

For much of its history, Ardmore’s production went almost entirely into blends, particularly Teacher’s Highland Cream, where its smoky, malty backbone was essential. However, in recent decades, the distillery has released more single malts, allowing whisky enthusiasts to experience its character unblended. Its core bottlings often showcase a balance of honeyed malt, orchard fruit, and subtle spice underpinned by an earthy peat note.

Ardmore operates eight copper pot stills and continues to use traditional worm tub condensers, a feature that adds weight and texture to the spirit. Fermentation times are relatively long, encouraging the development of fruity esters, which balance the savoury smokiness from the peat. Maturation typically takes place in ex-bourbon barrels, although Ardmore has also experimented with quarter casks, which accelerate the interaction between spirit and wood, imparting additional vanilla, toffee, and spice.

The core range includes accessible expressions such as Ardmore Legacy, a no-age-statement bottling with a light, smoky sweetness; Ardmore Tradition, matured in a combination of traditional and quarter casks; and older age-statement whiskies that reveal deeper complexity and more integrated smoke. Independent bottlers occasionally offer single cask Ardmore releases, often at higher strengths, which highlight different aspects of the distillery’s character, from grassy, herbal notes to richer, sherried styles.

Flavour-wise, Ardmore’s profile sits at the intersection of Highland malt richness and subtle Islay-style smokiness. Expect aromas of sweet barley, heather, and campfire embers, with a palate that balances honey, citrus, and soft peat, leading to a warming, slightly drying finish. Its versatility makes it suitable for enjoying neat, with a splash of water, or even in cocktails that benefit from a gentle smoky dimension.

Our Ardmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection showcases the breadth of the distillery’s output, from approachable entry-level drams to limited editions and rare independent bottlings. Whether you’re a peat enthusiast seeking something more restrained than Islay, or a Highland whisky fan curious about how smoke can be integrated into a sweeter style, Ardmore offers a unique and rewarding experience rooted in more than a century of tradition.