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Ardnamurchan Madeira Cask Release 2025 Review

Ardnamurchan's 2025 limited edition combines 43% peated and 57% unpeated spirit, finished in Madeira casks for a unique Highland expression. While showing syrupy red fruits and spices, the whisky feels somewhat uneven with muted coastal and peat notes typical of the distillery.

OVERALL RATING

8
$81
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

A 2025 limited-edition expression from Highland distillery Ardnamurchan, combines a ratio of 43% peated spirit with 57% unpeated spirit. Distilled in 2018, this single malt was initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels before it was re-racked into Madeira casks for a two-year finishing period. The casks were vatted just before reaching 7-years-old, producing a batch of 19598 bottles, and bottled at 52% ABV.
Appearance:
Bright Copper
Nose:
Assorted fruits open on the nose, including stewed plums, raisins, and red currants. Cinnamon spice and sandalwood follow, balanced by the sweetness of chocolate and cocoa powder.
Palate:
Cinnamon notes open on the palate, followed by chocolate coated nuts. Jammy plum and strawberry fruit notes follow, developing into mixed fruits in syrup. There’s also hints of pine, black pepper, and cedar wood.
Finish:
Medium length finish, the syrupy fruit sweetness lingers before diminishing into slightly drying wood, pepper, and black tea. There’s a whisper of peat at the close.
Comments:
An unusual expression from Ardnamurchan, the Madeira cask influence is discernible with syrupy red fruit notes but seems to compete for influence with dry spices and wood. I also struggled to find Ardnamurchan’s usual distillery profile notes of coastal influences and peat; there was very subtle peat on the finish, but this seemed very muted compared with previous Ardnamurchan bottlings I’ve sampled.

While the Ardnamurchan Madeira cask expression did feel a little uneven, this was still a very drinkable whisky and the Madeira cask finishing added an unusual element compared with core range bottlings. I’d have possibly like to see either a slightly higher ratio of peated spirit or a higher age statement release allowing more time for integration between cask and spirit.

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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