Thanks Robert. They've really ballsed this one up 😕 much less interesting than it used to be which is a massive shame for a good distillery that only has one expression! We shall have to seek out a good IB one day. Cheers 🥃
The only OB Ardmore I'm interested buying is the 12 yo Port Wood Finish. Unfortunately it is out of stock everywhere in Bulgaria. There is also Signatory Vintage 10 yo Ardmore, 46%, matured in "Bourbon Barrels after Islay". Priced at 45.50 euros. BTW, those little size bottles are great for tasting whiskies that are somewhat weakly presented. I for one would hate to purchase a full size bottle of low ABV, E150 tainted whisky and get stuck with it for 8-10 months. I drink no more than 25-30 ml several times a week and keep no more than 6 opened bottles of malt whisky at a time. So having an opened bottle of 40% Ardmore or whatever would occupy an opened bottle slot and will force me to suffer through its mediocrity for roughly 25 drams and 8-10 months :) I know it sounds like a bad case of OCD, but I have plenty of reasons to take "drink in moderation" very, very seriously. Cheers!
I missed out on the 12yo Port Wood Ardmore although I do vaguely remember it existing a few years ago. Agreed that miniatures and samples are a great thing. And you don't have to justify your desire to limit your bottle count. Not wanting to damage your health and wallet or fill your house with oxidising whisky nobody wants are all reason enough 👍 Cheers 🥃
The challenge with the Ardmore like other reasonably accessible blended offerings is that they may have good stuff at the top of their range or through an Independent Bottler offering, maybe higher abv and more character but they seem to have focused on the entry level stuff and people tend to get turned off on the brand (at least I do) when they try the entry level bottle as I did. Té Bheag maybe worth a look...although it too is diluted down to 40% abv, at least it is unchillfiltered and offers some character and not far from the value proposition price point as Ardmore.
Yes I often think that about distilleries with uninspiring entry levels. Who is getting excited enough by them to try the better stuff? Can't be good for the long term survival. It probably also explains why IB offerings from distilleries like Ardmore are still surprisingly good value compared to the trendier distilleries. Which isn't a bad thing for us!
Found it for a reasonable price and pulled the trigger on it, I agree with you it is middle of the road, not pretending to go anywhere, not too short on the finish, have had worse, but I would probably not buy it again.
I probably won't be buying this again either. It's fine but not something I need. Which is a shame because I bought a lot of bottles of the old 46% version in the reddish tube. Perhaps the best thing about this Ardmore Legacy is that if you can see potential in it then it tells you that seeking independent bottlings of Ardmore is something you'll enjoy. Cheers 🥃
Hi WL. First, I enjoyed the review. Really the legacy is aimed at someone who( is not a whisky lover)wants a bottle of single malt but doesn’t want to pay to much hence the cheap price and its often on offer at well below €20. That’s also why it’s chill filtered and at 40%. Not for me, (although I’ve had it). Your right about the drinking more as well, most 40% ers are too easy to drink. Slàinte WL.
Hi David. Thanks for watching and commenting. You're right that this is for the casual drinker and if they enjoy this then that's great. For some people this is is fancy treat. It makes me sad that Ardmore have gone from one of two higher strength, better presented options in the supermarket to one step above bottom shelf though. Nostalgia can be cruel! Slainte Mhath 🥃
In Australia our Gov tax is very high, the higher the abv the higher the tax, most spirit that is above 40% in the US (Buffalo trace 45% as an example) has been chill filtered down to 40 and now some of the cheaper are down to 37% , we pay an exorbitant price and still don't get the "real McCoy" out of control nanny state overreach is spreading .
I feel your pain. Our alcohol duty is tied to ABV too which is probably the main reason why we get things like Laphroaig 10 and Highland Park 12 at 40% instead of 43% in America. We used to get Buffalo Trace at 45% for a while but I think it went back down to 40%. We used to get Bulleit at 40% but that's gone up to 45%. It's frustrating for us enthusiasts who want the extra strength for the flavour it brings. I also wonder exactly how much harm it actually prevents. Yes, some people with real problems will down an entire bottle of the strongest thing available but for many I suspect that weak (40%) drinks leads to drinking more and drinking faster 🤷♂️ At least in the UK our tax and duty on alcohol isn't as high as some other countries. So I won't complain too much as I know many have it far worse. I hope you have a dram of something good to drown your sorrows! Cheers 🥃
While you can see common notes between this and Teachers you'll probably be disappointed if you go into this expecting a single malt version of teachers. The old 46% bottle would've done it far more justice. If you're a diehard Teachers fan then maybe search out an Independently Bottled Ardmore with a better ABV. Best of luck 🥃
@@WhiskyLock I wouldn't say I'm a die hard fan, but it is in my memory as something I picked up in 2013 when I was at university and thought it would look fantastic on my shelf. I managed to find it in a shop this summer and picked it up for a bit of nostalgia, and it's... not as good as I remember. But who knows if it's the whisky that's changed or me!
@@raeraeraeth if you last had Ardmore in 2013 then it was probably the old 46% NCF version. I might be wrong but I think it changed in 2014. Was the one you had this summer definitely the same expression? When they switched to the white tube the ABV went down to 40%. Either way, I feel like the answer to 'did the whisky change or was it me?' is usually a bit of both 😉 Cheers 🥃
@@WhiskyLock Ah it was Teacher's I had in 2013 and 2022. In some ways it was exactly how I remember, so it was nostalgic, but I don't think I'd get it again. Hence I was wondering if Ardmore Legacy was a step up :)
@@raeraeraeth ah that makes sense 😀 I haven't had Teachers in quite a while (time to change that!) but I imagine this would probably be a side step to a small step up at best. Cheers 🥃
I like Ardmore, it's a nice everyday whisky. Just enough of everything but not too much of anything. Yeh it's a everyday, not literally, drink but I do go back and buy more of it. Edited to say I wrote the above whilst drinking Ardmore before I watched the review, you say it doesn't know what to be but it's got a little bit of everything which is nice in my book and yes I do like Laphroaig. Yeh 46% would be nice. I find it's lingers quite nicely too, is the finish weak or smooth? but I can live with a c-
Hello bud. "Just enough of everything but not too much of anything" is a nice way to describe this one. Yeah the low strength does frustrate me but it is a pleasant style and I can understand why you'd come back to it as a 'daily' sipper. Do try the 46% version if you're ever lucky enough to find it though. Or perhaps an independent bottling. Ardmore is a very interesting and unique distillery with a lot too offer. I'm mainly just bitter than they took aware the old 46% NCF version that I enjoyed so much 😉
Cheers for the reply. Yeh I found i miss it after not having it for a while. I do agree with you about the filtering N colour, why just, why? It does make me interested in the other bottlings though, I may just have to have a look, I hate going to town , ( Manchester, (s'hole lol)) I may just brave it though. Keep sipping and reviewing 😇.
Yes I think so. From having tried the old 46% OB I know they can do so much better than this and there are a few Indie Bottles about. 11yo 46% Signatory £46 9yo 47.5% Carn Mor £49 18yo 48.4% Douglas Laing £110 I haven't had any of those yet but on paper it seems like there are lots of good options from Ardmore.
@@jackthepickledhound sounds like Ardmore! I always thought their peat was much less medicinal, more smoky and earthy. Probably goes with quarter casks better than Islay peat does.
Excellent analysis!
Hit this one right on. Great review. Lucky for me I got a free sample. The ABV definitely doesn’t help.
Thanks Robert. They've really ballsed this one up 😕 much less interesting than it used to be which is a massive shame for a good distillery that only has one expression! We shall have to seek out a good IB one day. Cheers 🥃
The only OB Ardmore I'm interested buying is the 12 yo Port Wood Finish. Unfortunately it is out of stock everywhere in Bulgaria. There is also Signatory Vintage 10 yo Ardmore, 46%, matured in "Bourbon Barrels after Islay". Priced at 45.50 euros.
BTW, those little size bottles are great for tasting whiskies that are somewhat weakly presented. I for one would hate to purchase a full size bottle of low ABV, E150 tainted whisky and get stuck with it for 8-10 months. I drink no more than 25-30 ml several times a week and keep no more than 6 opened bottles of malt whisky at a time. So having an opened bottle of 40% Ardmore or whatever would occupy an opened bottle slot and will force me to suffer through its mediocrity for roughly 25 drams and 8-10 months :) I know it sounds like a bad case of OCD, but I have plenty of reasons to take "drink in moderation" very, very seriously.
Cheers!
I missed out on the 12yo Port Wood Ardmore although I do vaguely remember it existing a few years ago.
Agreed that miniatures and samples are a great thing. And you don't have to justify your desire to limit your bottle count. Not wanting to damage your health and wallet or fill your house with oxidising whisky nobody wants are all reason enough 👍 Cheers 🥃
The challenge with the Ardmore like other reasonably accessible blended offerings is that they may have good stuff at the top of their range or through an Independent Bottler offering, maybe higher abv and more character but they seem to have focused on the entry level stuff and people tend to get turned off on the brand (at least I do) when they try the entry level bottle as I did. Té Bheag maybe worth a look...although it too is diluted down to 40% abv, at least it is unchillfiltered and offers some character and not far from the value proposition price point as Ardmore.
Yes I often think that about distilleries with uninspiring entry levels. Who is getting excited enough by them to try the better stuff? Can't be good for the long term survival.
It probably also explains why IB offerings from distilleries like Ardmore are still surprisingly good value compared to the trendier distilleries. Which isn't a bad thing for us!
I found this one a bit average and wouldn't replace the bottle it was just a bit meh....I'm keen to try some independent Ardmore's. Cheers mate
Yes very average. It's a shame because it used to be one of the better supermarket malts. Cheers 🥃
Found it for a reasonable price and pulled the trigger on it, I agree with you it is middle of the road, not pretending to go anywhere, not too short on the finish, have had worse, but I would probably not buy it again.
I probably won't be buying this again either. It's fine but not something I need. Which is a shame because I bought a lot of bottles of the old 46% version in the reddish tube.
Perhaps the best thing about this Ardmore Legacy is that if you can see potential in it then it tells you that seeking independent bottlings of Ardmore is something you'll enjoy. Cheers 🥃
Hi WL. First, I enjoyed the review. Really the legacy is aimed at someone who( is not a whisky lover)wants a bottle of single malt but doesn’t want to pay to much hence the cheap price and its often on offer at well below €20. That’s also why it’s chill filtered and at 40%. Not for me, (although I’ve had it). Your right about the drinking more as well, most 40% ers are too easy to drink. Slàinte WL.
Hi David. Thanks for watching and commenting. You're right that this is for the casual drinker and if they enjoy this then that's great. For some people this is is fancy treat.
It makes me sad that Ardmore have gone from one of two higher strength, better presented options in the supermarket to one step above bottom shelf though. Nostalgia can be cruel! Slainte Mhath 🥃
Currently £20 in Tesco, could be worth a punt for that price 🤔
Yes! I think it's worth that much as long you don't expect too much 🙂 it should give you an idea if you want to seek out better presented Ardmore too.
In Australia our Gov tax is very high, the higher the abv the higher the tax, most spirit that is above 40% in the US (Buffalo trace 45% as an example) has been chill filtered down to 40 and now some of the cheaper are down to 37% , we pay an exorbitant price and still don't get the "real McCoy" out of control nanny state overreach is spreading .
I feel your pain. Our alcohol duty is tied to ABV too which is probably the main reason why we get things like Laphroaig 10 and Highland Park 12 at 40% instead of 43% in America. We used to get Buffalo Trace at 45% for a while but I think it went back down to 40%. We used to get Bulleit at 40% but that's gone up to 45%.
It's frustrating for us enthusiasts who want the extra strength for the flavour it brings. I also wonder exactly how much harm it actually prevents. Yes, some people with real problems will down an entire bottle of the strongest thing available but for many I suspect that weak (40%) drinks leads to drinking more and drinking faster 🤷♂️
At least in the UK our tax and duty on alcohol isn't as high as some other countries. So I won't complain too much as I know many have it far worse. I hope you have a dram of something good to drown your sorrows! Cheers 🥃
I am curious to try it to see how it compares with Teacher's Blend, but my worry is that not much is distinguishing it!
While you can see common notes between this and Teachers you'll probably be disappointed if you go into this expecting a single malt version of teachers. The old 46% bottle would've done it far more justice. If you're a diehard Teachers fan then maybe search out an Independently Bottled Ardmore with a better ABV. Best of luck 🥃
@@WhiskyLock I wouldn't say I'm a die hard fan, but it is in my memory as something I picked up in 2013 when I was at university and thought it would look fantastic on my shelf. I managed to find it in a shop this summer and picked it up for a bit of nostalgia, and it's... not as good as I remember. But who knows if it's the whisky that's changed or me!
@@raeraeraeth if you last had Ardmore in 2013 then it was probably the old 46% NCF version. I might be wrong but I think it changed in 2014. Was the one you had this summer definitely the same expression? When they switched to the white tube the ABV went down to 40%.
Either way, I feel like the answer to 'did the whisky change or was it me?' is usually a bit of both 😉 Cheers 🥃
@@WhiskyLock Ah it was Teacher's I had in 2013 and 2022. In some ways it was exactly how I remember, so it was nostalgic, but I don't think I'd get it again. Hence I was wondering if Ardmore Legacy was a step up :)
@@raeraeraeth ah that makes sense 😀 I haven't had Teachers in quite a while (time to change that!) but I imagine this would probably be a side step to a small step up at best. Cheers 🥃
I like Ardmore, it's a nice everyday whisky. Just enough of everything but not too much of anything. Yeh it's a everyday, not literally, drink but I do go back and buy more of it.
Edited to say I wrote the above whilst drinking Ardmore before I watched the review, you say it doesn't know what to be but it's got a little bit of everything which is nice in my book and yes I do like Laphroaig. Yeh 46% would be nice. I find it's lingers quite nicely too, is the finish weak or smooth? but I can live with a c-
Hello bud. "Just enough of everything but not too much of anything" is a nice way to describe this one. Yeah the low strength does frustrate me but it is a pleasant style and I can understand why you'd come back to it as a 'daily' sipper.
Do try the 46% version if you're ever lucky enough to find it though. Or perhaps an independent bottling. Ardmore is a very interesting and unique distillery with a lot too offer. I'm mainly just bitter than they took aware the old 46% NCF version that I enjoyed so much 😉
Cheers for the reply. Yeh I found i miss it after not having it for a while. I do agree with you about the filtering N colour, why just, why?
It does make me interested in the other bottlings though, I may just have to have a look, I hate going to town , ( Manchester, (s'hole lol)) I may just brave it though. Keep sipping and reviewing 😇.
Independent bottles of Ardmore.?
Probably the way to go?
Yes I think so. From having tried the old 46% OB I know they can do so much better than this and there are a few Indie Bottles about.
11yo 46% Signatory £46
9yo 47.5% Carn Mor £49
18yo 48.4% Douglas Laing £110
I haven't had any of those yet but on paper it seems like there are lots of good options from Ardmore.
@@WhiskyLock I have a 60% 10year James Eadie in a refill bourbon.
@@jackthepickledhound Nice. How is it?
@@WhiskyLock it's a worthwhile alternative to Islay. Might be a bit cleaner and the peat is less sharp and more earthy
@@jackthepickledhound sounds like Ardmore! I always thought their peat was much less medicinal, more smoky and earthy. Probably goes with quarter casks better than Islay peat does.
It is a slightly better version of teachers.
Pretty much! And in some ways maybe not even that...
👍🏻
🥃😁👍🏻
Its a worst whiskey i had in my life 😢
Try Haig Clubman. Then this will be the *second* worst whisky you've had 😂