Ardmore Authentic Collection 14 Year Old, Bourbon Cask, 2010, Cadenhead's, 56.5%

The smoke sounds clear but not overwhelming, with soft peat on the nose and more coastal peat and applewood smoke later. The sweeter notes should give it a useful counterpoint, though the peppery finish sounds quite assertive.

honeycomb owl18 Sept

The nose gives this an inviting start: fresh honey and apple strudel sit alongside soft peat and subtle smoke. That combination suits my preference for sweeter notes with some smoke, though the crispy smoked bacon makes the savoury side clear too. On the palate, shortbread and butterscotch meet coastal peat and peppery spice, so the sweeter opening does not set the whole tone. The finish brings back soft peat smoke, while spearmint and cracked black pepper add a cooler, sharper edge. I like the contrast between the familiar sweet notes and the firmer smoky, spicy ones. There is an approachable side here, but the peat and pepper still have a clear place.

A 14-year-old Scottish Highland single malt from Ardmore, with the 2010 vintage and bourbon-cask detail giving it a clear identity. The character balances caramelised demerara sugar and apple strudel against soft, coastal peat, then turns more citrusy and peppery on the palate. That smoky-sweet contrast is appealing, though the menthol and cracked black pepper in the finish point toward a firmer, less easygoing close. A well-defined choice for someone who likes peat with sweetness and spice rather than peat alone.