Ardmore distillery

Introduction to Ardmore Distillery

A Highland Distillery with Distinctive Character

Nestled in the eastern highlands of Scotland, Ardmore Distillery stands as a beacon of traditional Scottish whisky craftsmanship. Located in the village of Kennethmont in Aberdeenshire, this distillery has earned its reputation for producing distinctively peated Highland malts that bridge the gap between the smoky intensity of Islay and the honeyed sweetness typical of the Highlands.

The distillery’s picturesque setting against the backdrop of rolling Scottish hills contributes to its unique terroir and character, making it a significant player in Scotland’s rich whisky landscape.

Why We Have a Special Fondness for Ardmore

At Vault of Spirits, we admire Ardmore for its unwavering commitment to traditional methods in an era of modernization. Their dedication to floor maltings until the 1970s and continued use of traditional equipment speaks to their respect for whisky heritage.

What truly sets Ardmore apart is its distinctive Highland peat profile – a gentler, more heathery smokiness than its Islay counterparts, creating whiskies with remarkable depth and balance that showcase the best of both worlds.

The History Behind Ardmore

Origin and Development

Ardmore was founded in 1898 by Adam Teacher, son of William Teacher, to secure a consistent supply of malt for their popular Teacher’s Highland Cream blend. The distillery was strategically positioned along the newly constructed railway line, ensuring efficient transportation of materials and finished products.

Throughout its history, Ardmore has weathered industry challenges while maintaining its distinct identity. After passing through various ownerships, including Allied Distillers and Fortune Brands, it now operates under the stewardship of Beam Suntory, who have continued to respect its traditional character while introducing it to new audiences worldwide.

The People Behind the Spirit

Generations of skilled distillers have maintained Ardmore’s unique profile and traditions. The current team combines deep respect for the distillery’s heritage with careful innovation, ensuring that every batch upholds the standards established over more than a century of production.

Their collective expertise in managing the delicate balance of peat influences and cask maturation has allowed Ardmore to maintain its distinctive character while evolving to meet contemporary tastes.

The Craft and Production

From Grain to Glass

Ardmore’s production begins with quality Scottish barley, with both peated and unpeated varieties used depending on the expression being created. The distillery maintains four pairs of stills with their distinctive bulbous bases and long, narrow necks that help create a spirit with remarkable clarity and depth.

While many Highland distilleries have abandoned peat entirely, Ardmore continues to use varying levels of peat in many of its expressions, typically around 12-14 PPM (parts per million) of phenols – a moderate level that imparts distinctive character without overwhelming the spirit’s natural sweetness.

Maturation and Aging

The spirit comes into its own during maturation, primarily in American oak ex-bourbon barrels which impart vanilla and coconut notes that beautifully complement the gentle smokiness. The distillery also employs quarter casks for some expressions, which accelerate maturation while intensifying wood interaction.

Ardmore’s warehouses, exposed to the variable Highland climate, create ideal conditions for balanced aging, allowing the whisky to develop complexity while maintaining its essential character – a hallmark of thoughtful production and patience.

Selected Products from Ardmore

Ardmore Legacy – An Introduction to the House Style

This accessible expression offers an excellent entry point to Ardmore’s distinctive style. Combining both peated and unpeated malts, Legacy presents gentle smoke balanced with sweet honey, vanilla cream, and subtle spice notes. Its approachable character makes it perfect for both newcomers to peated whisky and experienced enthusiasts.

With a silky mouthfeel and medium finish featuring lingering smoke and baking spices, Legacy showcases Ardmore’s talent for creating balanced Highland malts with character.

Ardmore Traditional Cask – A Deeper Expression

For those seeking to explore Ardmore’s depth, Traditional Cask offers a more robust experience. Initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels, this expression undergoes a second maturation in smaller quarter casks, intensifying wood interaction and creating a richer profile.

Expect pronounced vanilla, honey, and toffee notes underscored by aromatic peat smoke, heather, and subtle maritime influences. The higher ABV and non-chill filtering preserve its natural oils and enhance its textural qualities, making it a favorite among whisky connoisseurs.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

While Ardmore maintains a somewhat private profile and isn’t primarily set up for tourism, limited visits can sometimes be arranged for dedicated enthusiasts. These rare opportunities provide insight into their traditional production methods and unique approach to Highland whisky making.

For those passionate about experiencing Ardmore, we recommend contacting the distillery directly to inquire about current visiting possibilities, as they occasionally accommodate small groups of serious whisky aficionados.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ardmore Distillery?

Ardmore is a Highland Scotch whisky distillery founded in 1898, known for producing distinctively peated Highland single malts. It combines traditional production methods with careful maturation to create whiskies that bridge the gap between Highland sweetness and gentle peat influence.

Where is Ardmore located?

The distillery is located in the village of Kennethmont in Aberdeenshire, in the eastern Highlands of Scotland. Its location along the eastern edge of the Highlands contributes to its unique microclimate and character development during maturation.

What characterizes Ardmore whisky?

Ardmore is distinguished by its gentle peat influence (typically 12-14 PPM), creating a more subtle and heathery smokiness than Islay whiskies. This is beautifully balanced with honey sweetness, orchard fruits, and vanilla notes from American oak maturation, resulting in a distinctively balanced Highland malt with character.

The distillery is also known for its traditional production methods, including the continued use of worm tub condensers which contribute to a fuller-bodied spirit.

Where can I buy whisky from Ardmore?

You can find selected bottles from Ardmore at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions – including both core range offerings and special releases – ensuring you have access to this distinctive Highland distillery’s finest work.