Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Ardnamurchan Mezcal Cask Release 2025

A limited-edition from Highland distillery Ardnamurcan, the Mezcal Cask Release 2025 uses Ardnamurchan’s peated 30 PPM spirit distilled in 2017 and matured in ex-bourbon casks for 6 years, before an 18-month finishing period in Mezcal casks.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

A limited-edition from Highland distillery Ardnamurcan, the Mezcal Cask Release 2025 uses Ardnamurchan’s peated 30 PPM spirit distilled in 2017 and matured in ex-bourbon casks for 6 years, before an 18-month finishing period in Mezcal casks. Only 4968 bottles were produced, and bottled at 55% ABV.


Appearance:
Bright Gold
Nose:
The nose opens with green fruits including apples and gooseberries, giving way to fresh grassy notes and Highland heather, before aromas of vegetal peat. The Mezcal cask influence is apparent with notes of agave, a hint of aloe vera and lime zest, balanced by ashy bonfire smoke.
Palate:
Crisp and slightly tart green fruits, Granny Smith apples, gooseberries and lime zest, open on the palate, alongside damp green herbs, eucalyptus, and a chalky minerality. This is followed by a salty brine and pickle notes, countered by earthy peat and smoke. There’s a creamy and slightly oily mouthfeel throughout.
Finish:
Medium to long, the creamy and oily mouthfeel lingers into the finish with light smoke, earthy peat, salt and lime zest.
Comments:
Mezcal cask finished limited-edition whisky releases seem to be appearing more often lately, and have definitely divided opinions amongst my local tasting group. I’ve sampled a couple of Mezcal cask finished whiskies recently, and have really enjoyed the cask influence with lime zest and agave notes – the ideal summer whisky!

Having also sampled some independently bottled Ardnamurchan expressions recently, the distillery is forging a well-deserved reputation for creating some well-layered and complex young whiskies. The Ardnamurchan Mezcal Cask Release 2025 is a great example, balancing green fruits, salty brine, and earthy peat while also effectively integrating the Mezcal influence during finishing. Ardnamurchan’s peated spirit style and smoke contrasts perfectly with the fresh citrus Mezcal cask influence. This is possibly my favourite Ardnamurchan bottling so far, and I’d really like to see the distillery integrate more Mezcal cask finishing in the future.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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