Ardlair 2014 Little Brown Dog 12 Year Old Cognac Cask Finish Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky 52.6%
The independent bottler Little Brown Dog sources casks from distilleries across Scotland and bottles them under its own label – each release featuring the small brown dog that has become the company’s signature. In this case, they have secured a cask from Ardmore Distillery in its unpeated style: Ardlair.
Little Brown Dog describes the release as follows:
Little Brown Dog has created a playful yet serious bottling from Ardmore Distillery – under the name Ardlair, used for the lesser-known unpeated spirit. Internally, it is sometimes humorously referred to as “Ardless”, reflecting the relaxed spirit behind the project, even though the whisky itself is anything but uninteresting.
This 12-year-old single malt was distilled on 22 February 2014 and bottled on 23 February 2026 at 52.6% ABV. It was initially matured in a refill bourbon hogshead, but its journey was far from straightforward: the cask arrived partially leaking and had already lost around 10 kg during transport. It was therefore transferred into a smaller refill bourbon barrel, and later – in December 2024 – given an additional finish in a 30+ year old cognac barrique to enhance fruitiness and add depth without overpowering the spirit.
Balance is key here. The cognac cask has been used with a light touch, allowing the oily, gently spicy Highland spirit character to remain at the forefront, while the wine-derived sweetness adds refinement. The whisky also opens up significantly with a splash of water, revealing more fruit and spice.
The colour is described as “beeswax” – a warm, waxy golden tone. On the nose, it shows muscovado sugar, glazed carrots, and a forest fruit yoghurt, giving a rustic yet creamy and fruity profile.
The palate brings apricot jam, spiced pear, and extra virgin olive oil, resulting in an intriguing mix of sweetness, spice, and rich texture. The finish turns more herbal with green tea, thyme, and lime, offering a fresh and slightly bitter closing note that balances the whisky beautifully.
The label playfully references the cognac connection, inspired by a previous “French Brandy” release, but replaces the Fleur-de-Lis with a goat – a nod to a goat carved into the coat of arms at Leith Hall near the distillery. It is a typical Little Brown Dog detail, blending history, place, and cask influence with a sense of humour.
Only 186 bottles were produced, making this a rare and experimental Highland whisky full of character, story, and personality.
Distillery: Ardmore / Ardlair
Bottler: Little Brown Dog
Age: 12 Years Old
Distilled: 22/02/2014
Bottled: 23/02/2026
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Cask Type: Cognac Cask Finish
ABV: 52.6%
Number of bottles: 186
Non-chill filtered
Natural colour
70 cl
Other: Single Cask Whisky from Little Brown Dog Spirits
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