Ardnamurchan Cask Strength AD/09.22
2022 Batch 2 Release | 58.4% ABV
Are the sequels ever as good as the first release?
With first releases lauded and enjoyed by many, sequels and follow-ups often find they’ve got big boots to fill.
We can often fall a litte head-over-heels when it comes to inaugural releases in whisky. The fear of missing out can grip us tightly, willing us to get our hands on a bottle of new whisky from a new distillery. Sometimes these releases can be pricey, subconsciously setting an unrealistic expectation regarding the liquid inside, how it holds up, and how it compares to other whiskies in the same bracket. We often speak of value here on Dramface, and a prevalent theme it will remain among the anticipated releases that will (hopefully) grace the whisky shelves over the coming years.
The first batch is always exciting if you’re lucky enough to grab a bottle, and indeed open it. Follow ups, second batches and next releases are, however, are a different kettle of fish altogether. I think that these ‘follow-up albums’ or ‘sequels’ can help us form a better relationship with the subject in question. You really start to get to know something as well. What is it all about? It can be hard to base it all off one example and one experience. It’s always an incredible experience to enjoy things like this back-to-back: have a real compare and contrast session to see what comes out on top!
For the topic of today, we can look to film and music. The notorious second album in music is always incredibly difficult to get right. There’s a huge creative decision on whether you should stay on course with your first release, continuing with the same character, or take it a different direction. You don’t want to turn into a one-hit wonder. Your second release can also really put you on the map.
Thinking about some examples of famous second albums that have brought increased joy and entertainment, look no further than the likes of Nevermind by Nirvana, Led Zeppelin II from…yes, Led Zeppelin, and Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black. Even one of the best-selling albums of all time in (What’s the story) Morning Glory by Oasis, is a second album. It’s also the first bit of music I ever bought. I think I purchased it for £3 from a pirated music stand at a market stall. Haven’t listened to Oasis since!
In other fields of entertainment and the arts, the phrase ‘Is the sequel better than the original?’ often makes me think of films.
Quick side note: what’s frustrating me when writing this in 2022 concerning movies, is that more often than not, new movie releases seem to be a live-action remake, a total remake or a shite sequel. The age of the iconic sequel seems over (I’m looking forward to Dune Part 2 next year, hopefully). I don’t want another superhero franchise that’s squeezed out from Marvel/DC — or, like I said, a money-printing release from Disney casting real life actors to remake their ever-famous animated movies we have grown to love. I want something with original thought and a difference.
What movies come to your mind when you are asked, ‘Is the sequel better than the original?’ The Godfather II is a common and famous example of a sequel much better than the original release. Dark Knight from Christopher Nolan, for many reasons, fulfils this brief too. Others that I don’t agree with, personally, are ‘Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.’ I prefer the first releases of these two franchises. They set up the universe and story so well they’re welcoming, comforting and such a joy to watch.
Now for whisky, and for Ardnamurchan: what brought me onto reviewing their new Cask Strength AD/09.22 was a discussion between other Dramface writers. I hope they’re okay with me mentioning this. If not, there’ll be a lot missing from this paragraph!
A comment in the group asked, ‘Anyone tried AD/09.22?’ The replies of ‘I prefer Batch 1’ from a few really surprised me. The AD/02.22 is up for an award in the Online Scotch Whisky Awards ceremony on November 5, again surprising to me, so I felt I had to compare both and see how this sequel release stands up to the first batch.
There’s a decision regarding creativity in the art of whisky making too for releases like this Ardnamurchan, as there is with film and music. Do you decide to create a whisky with a similar make up to the previous release, bringing back the same familiar faces and characters? How about a mix up on the ratio of peated to un-peated whisky or popping a few extra in ex-sherry casks or full ex-bourbon maturatio, intentionally subverting audience expectations, as director Rian Johnson loves to do? (Although I think his Star Wars movie was worse than any of the prequels.) There’s so much room for creativity and change when it comes to whisky and follow-up releases. I think with this 2nd cask-strength batch, we’re seeing a glorious return to form following on from batch 1. I’ll explain why below!
Review
Ardnamurchan Cask Strength AD/09.22, official bottling, 2022, 58.4% ABV
£65 and good availability in some markets
Unfortunately, the QR code on my bottle doesn’t return much right now. When scanning, the blockchain information about my bottle is yet to be uploaded. However, with a quick message off to Ardnamurchan via Instagram, I was promptly replied to and supplied with the Ardnamurchan AD/09.22 product sheet. Huge thanks to Jenny from Adelphi for helping me out with this.
So, my bottle is one of 13,460 bottles distributed worldwide. More specifics on the liquid inside tell us that the makeup is 94% peated spirit mixed with 6% unpeated spirit. The cask combination is 88% bourbon with 12% sherry casks. A ratio in favour of Hamish.
I keep going back to this whisky of late. One reason is the enjoyment, the other reason is this review. I’m very much enjoying it. ‘Oh, I’ll just have another’ always follows from the first pour of the night. It reminds me of a wee excerpt from Dave Broom’s new book, A Sense of Place. Dave mentions a description of Adelphi style from Managing Director Alex Bruce: ‘...the easiest way to describe Adelphi style is “I’d want to have another dram”... just the one or maybe three afterwards’. I share those thoughts exactly, Alex. Hear, hear!
Initial release came at the end of September 2022, coming in at 58.4% ABV with a price around £65. Non chill filtered and natural colour. It seems to be still available from most online retailers in the UK, so grab a bottle if you can.
I managed to get a £10 voucher from Royal Mile Whiskies for them putting my name and order number on the label with a gold pen, hence the graffiti on my label within today’s pictures. That suits me nicely. I’d have been happy for them to uncork the thing or rip the label off…this baby was getting popped anyway as soon as Postman Pat delivered it to my door.
Nose
Immediately, I’m met with lemon curd and heavy cream. Soft marshmallows with vanilla custard, developing into some strawberry lace confectionery. Quite peppery: white pepper with some hint of pickled ginger. The savoury element reminds me a bit of miso soup.
There are dried wood chippings in there. Little hint of tobacco and wet coffee grounds. The seaside element comes in small waves. Saltiness is intertwined with the brine and brings out a touch of sweetness too. That all transforms into honey coated cashews and lovely brown sugar.
Palate
It’s bright and spiced. Wood spice on arrival which, again, similar to the nose, turns a bit peppery and blends nicely with a taste of loose, shredded tobacco. The wood bark turns sweet, quite like maple syrup. That then evolves into some citrus. Lemon zest blast on the tongue and lips. Burnt bacon bits and sugar pastry. Touch of peat emerges with a smoke mixed with the seaside. It’s lovely and interesting. Malt and dough slowly introduces itself mixed in with some strawberry jam.
Finish is quite dry, but it coats overall for a long time. Silky mouthfeel. Not overly thick or thin either. The smoke is gentle but lasts a long while. Such an approachable pour given its high ABV. Before the mouth dries, it has a slight bitter element that mixes well with the wood.
The Dregs
After a few pours of this second batch of Ardnamurchan Cask Strength and very much enjoying it , I was interested in how it compared with release 1. Very similar on the nose: both bright, sweet brine and citrus blast but the 2nd release (AD/09.22) is just a touch softer. There’s a creamy element I’m finding on the nose with this one compared to the first batch. While batch 1 welcomes you with a lovely sharp raspberry note, this batch 2 compares more to soft pear and syrup.
It's a similar theme in the taste when comparing both. I like this newer release compared to batch 1. It’s more suited to my whisky preference, I think. Both are terrific, don’t get me wrong. It’s almost as if this new 09.22 release has just rounded that stone off nicely. Both similar in flavour, profile and experience. You’ll get a calmer approach to 09.22 and it’s delicious. An image that often pops up in my head when I do indeed taste a fiery and young whisky is a jagged-edged, rough stone plucked from the shorelines. This second release feels more rounded; those edges have smoothed off and it has a more pleasant feel and touch to it.
I’ll leave you with this last piece, which is more words from Alex taken from A Sense of Place: ‘It is a bolder spirit and it takes on the elements of where it is from [west-coast of Scotland].’ This perfectly sums up this latest cask strength batch from Ardnamurchan. I am thoroughly enjoying each and every pour. Cheers!
Score: 7/10
Wally’s Review
Ardnamurchan Cask Strength AD/09.22, official bottling, 2022, 58.4% ABV
£65 and good availability in some markets
I’m Wally. It’s been so long since I’ve contributed that I’m considered new around here. I hope you enjoy my ‘debut’ piece.
Actually, the truth is that I’m more involved with Dramface that ever before , I’ve just been a total slacker with the single-finger key bashing. I’ll get on it, there’s a lot to talk about. Not least another Ardna CS - much sooner than we expected to be honest.
As has been touched upon above, the follow up act can be a challenge, but most Ardna fans are fully signed up now. Their relentless releases are rarely anything other than very good. Some have been quite outstanding. Rude, even, for a distillery we hadn’t even heard of the last time most of us bothered to enjoy a Macallan. They’ve been consistently punching way above their relative weight, it’s so easy to forget they’re still a young outfit.
Despite it being another two years before they have whisky in the double digits, such an impact has been witnessed in the last two-and-a-half years or so of releasing beautiful liquid that I’d go as far to say they have actively aided and invigorated interest in ‘new’ whisky generally. I’m a fan. I bought this as soon as I possibly could. Should you doubt that, you can read my thoughts on the March release here. Uncorking and pouring this I felt like one of the choir about to receive some preaching.
Nose
This is a smoky pour, and that billows from the glass first, but it quickly steps back to reveal scents of sweet dough, salt and citrus. The fruits are ripe and lean on the ferment-y side of things; banana bread and a creamy toffee sauce. Still a touch hot, some sharp and tart lime prickles here and there. Lime fruit pastilles, cola cubes. Searching for the smoky side again brings ash and a little salty outdoor air, but the coast has a farm close by this time. A little wet hay.
Palate
It’s brighter and fresher on the palate than the nose suggests, lime and sharp green apple, a little chilli and mint. I’m chasing things, it’s flighty. The fruits are confectionary once more; lemon and lime boiled sweets, with a fudgey, banana and toffee sauce thing, thickening things for a second. There’s a nutty element, salted and savoury like a roasted hazelnut. The smoke adds to a savoury sense but it’s soft; cold ash and embers. There’s liquorice on the finish, and of course it’s salted. It’s Ardnamurchan.
The Dregs
I like this whisky. I’m glad I have it. But I fear I’m with the crowd who feel they prefer the AD/02.22 from March. That’s fine. We like to play with batches and pick favourites - that’s the fun of it. But I need to reason why.
The first CS release, for me, was a 7/10 and I scored it as such, but it verged on an 8/10. That bottle was rinsed so quickly that I couldn’t pass up the chance to snatch a second. That has also now gone off to the smash and tinkle of the recycling centre. I loved it every bit as much. What’s the difference between love and like? Well, in Dramface terms it’s about two points I think. Many of you will love this every bit as much as the first, but it’s not quite as together and it’s a little fractured for me. I know how pretentious that sounds as I write it, but I have to articulate a feeling and it fits.
Also, the mineralic side of things which I’ve come to love about Ardnamurchan is hidden. It’s there, but we’ve moved off the dry pebbles and crushed seashells of the shoreline and we’re camped in a farmyard. That’s no bad thing, in fact it’s very interesting. It’s a fresh farm and it has an orchard.
However, tonight I’m sitting now on my third or fourth night with this bottle and, for my own palate, I’ve ‘fixed’ it somewhat. I’ve sat with it once more and picked out vaguely similar notes to the those of two nights ago, so I’m going to leave them unedited, but tonight I’ve done a ‘Ralfy’. I’ve thrown in a teaspoon of water and left it. I’ve come back after clearing up the dishes in the kitchen and, although it may just be the sense of reward and time in the glass, the water has pulled things together nicely. The mineral element is back and it’s playing a lot more like Ardnamurchan. I’ve walked across the paddock and taken the glass to the seaside once more.
Batches are part of the fun. It’s what malt whisky is all about. So I’ll buy the third batch every bit as quickly as this, but,I think as opposed to the first CS release, this one will make it until then.
Score: 6/10 WMc
Tried this? Share your thoughts in the comments below. HF