If you ask me about whisky, I’ll be the first to admit I know very little. I enjoy it, though, and the more I explore, the deeper my fondness for the water of life gets. Don’t worry, this won’t turn into poetry. I’m also writing this sober, quietly pondering which bottle I should uncork.
Last week, I listened to an episode of the Dramface podcast. I’m not a regular listener, but I immediately felt like part of the show. Especially during the discussion about bottle sizes and the very real limitations of an IKEA Kallax. That part hit close to home and made me seriously reconsider those tall bottles.
A few takeaways stuck with me: Dougie’s whisky of the year, Ardnamurchan 10yo, Single Cask 2014 Paul Launois – 8yrs in bourbon, 2yrs in a Champagne Barrique at 57.0% ABV, and the uneasy feeling that 2026 might be a challenging year for auction battles. It certainly started that way.
From there, I jumped to episode #49 of The Curious Bartender podcast, featuring Serge Valentin of whiskyfun.com. I’ve followed his reviews for years, but never really listened to him speak at length. Worth every minute.
Dram break: Ardnamurchan AD/10
Bottled in 2024, 10th Anniversary Edition, aged 10 years in ex-Bourbon & Paul Launois Barrique barrels and bottled at 50% ABV – a genuine treat. I’d bought a couple of Ardnamurchans back in November 2024 and never opened them. Hidden from sunlight – and from myself – since they arrived without boxes. Curiosity and the nudge from Dougie were a good enough reason to open this. PS: Did you know he is an outstanding photographer?
I remembered I bought a couple of Ardnamurchans back in November 2024, but I’ve never opened any. Hiden from the sun (and from me), as they arrived without boxes, but the promise of something delicious was too tempting. And right I was.
No smoke. Just a light, rich, lively dram. Honey, ginger, green apples, and a long, gently sweet finish. At this ABV, it’s dangerously drinkable, and I already know this bottle won’t go into the shadows soon. I can only imagine what the one Dougie mentioned is like.
Final takeaway: High Fidelity from 2000. Somehow never seen it. John Cusack, Jack Black, and a flood of music recommendations? On it.