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Ardgowan Distillery will release the next instalment of their Clydebuilt blended malt series on May 13th.
Following on from Coppersmith, Shipwright is a unique, limited edition blend of malts combining whisky from four Highland and Speyside distilleries. The spirit was matured entirely in first fill Oloroso sherry casks and has been bottled at 48%. RRP is £49.99.
The Ardgowan Distillery Clydebuilt series showcases the skills of master whisky maker, Max McFarlane: “It is a truly sumptuous dram, made to ignite your imagination of far off lands.
On the nose, warm aromas come in waves, bringing to mind the precious cargoes of the East, with scents of marzipan, leather, Ceylon tea, dried spices, tobacco and sandalwood.
This journey continues on the palate, as bright complexities of orange peel and rich dark notes of black cherries and treacle come to the fore.
Shipwright then settles gently, dry at first, then gliding into lingering spicy notes with hints of an old leather armchair. A wonderful elegant whisky to savour alone or share with friends.”
Shipwright can be pre-ordered from the Ardgowan website here. Please note that bottles will not ship until May 13th at the earliest.
There are interesting flavours but they are overpowered by “the burn” The burn as I call it is absolutely essential in a whisky designed to be drunk with a mixer but for a quality malt drunk with just a spot of water it is just too much. Perhaps if the casks had more age and if the angels were permitted more of a share it would be a great blend but as it stands its not for me. The name got me to buy a bottle but I don’t think I’ll buy another.