The 2000 Alexander Murray Ardmore 13 Years is interesting to me for a few reasons. It’s the very first Ardmore I can remember having and that’s because it’s A) not a highly sought after distillery and B) because nearly everything that it makes goes into the Teacher’s blends and is responsible for a good portion of their peated malt.
In Alexander Murray’s words: 2000 Alexander Murray Ardmore 13 Years
“Founded in 1898 the Ardmore Distillery is situated at the edge of the Grampian Mountains. Ardmore Distillery is unique as it is one of the only Speyside Single Malts that is still peated.
Alexander Murray brings you this Rare Bottling of 13 year old Ardmore that has been matured in ex-bourbon casks.”
At first glance I thought this whisky was an ex-sherry cask due to the color, but after reading that it’s 100% ex-Bourbon casks I immediately began to suspect that it contains more than just a few drop of e150 (caramel coloring). I wish they’d leave it at natural color, but that’s a gripe I have with a lot of whisky. So instead let’s focus on the experience of drinking the 2000 Alexander Murray Ardmore 13 Years and get on with the review.
2000 Alexander Murray Ardmore 13 Years Info
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Ardmore
Bottler: Alexander Murray
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: 13 Years
ABV: 40%
PPM: ~14
Price: $90*
2000 Alexander Murray Ardmore 13 Years Review
EYE
Orangish copper
NOSE
Orchard fruit, peat, cinnamon, vanilla, honey and light bits of smoked meat, brine, grilled fruit and melon rind. A lovely pleasant aroma.
PALATE
Green apples, peat, malt, dried strawberries, cinnamon and a touch plasticy with touches of vanilla taffy and honey. The flavor of this whisky is great, just wish it wasn’t so watered down. This is a malt I would love to experience when it wasn’t 60% water.
FINISH
Long strands of peat, orchard fruit, malt, menthol and ash.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Holds a good sense of balance, medium-full body and a light syrup feel.
OVERALL
2000 Alexander Murray Ardmore 13 Years is quite good. The aroma is interesting and multi-faceted; it holds the characteristic of a nice sweet Speyside whisky side-by-side with the earthier peaty notes of an Islay. It’s the kind of lightly peated sweet whisky that works well no matter what time of year it is.
Outside of my typical AM rant about giving this to us at least at 46% and NCF I don’t have a lot to complain about besides it being $90. If it came in closer to the $50 range I’d heavily consider picking up another bottle. If it were cask strength (NCF + NC) it’d be something I’d heavily consider picking up at $100; I’m sure it would be magnificent.
When it comes to my sense of value I have a hard time spending $100+ on something that’s more water than whisky. It has to be something really special and while the 2000 Alexander Murray Ardmore 13 Years is daily-drinker good, it certainly isn’t special.
SCORE: 87/100 (B+)
*Disclosure: This 2000 Alexander Murray Ardmore 13 Years was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
