Ardnahoe Infinite Loch Single Islay Malt Whisky 50%

Loch Ardnahoe is the deepest loch on Islay. The water looks as though it carries on downwards without end, which is why the distillery calls the loch infinite. The water in this bottle comes straight from it.

The Expert's Description

Ardnahoe Infinite Loch is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in a combination of 1st fill bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 50%. It is neither chill filtered nor coloured.

The two cask types each do their own job. The bourbon casks give vanilla, fruit and a bright sweetness, while the Oloroso casks lay in darker fruit and spice. Together with Ardnahoe’s peat smoke that produces a classic Islay profile with more breadth than a purely bourbon matured whisky would have.

The water comes from Loch Ardnahoe right beside the distillery, and the loch is one of the main reasons the site was chosen: plentiful clean, soft water with a natural peat character from the surrounding landscape.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Sea spray and peat first, which take the mind straight to Islay’s rugged coast. Beneath sit subtle undertones of dark chocolate adding depth and a light sweetness.

Palate

Opens fresh and lively, where fruity notes meet a touch of menthol in an interesting contrast to the smoky elements. As it develops, bonfire notes become clear and strengthen towards the close. At 50% there is good body and concentration.

Finish

Long and intense, saturated with smoke and a discreet hint of citrus.

Specifications

Name: Ardnahoe Infinite Loch Single Islay Malt Whisky 50%
Distillery: Ardnahoe
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 50%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: 1st fill bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Edition: Infinite Loch
EAN no.: 5060354287484

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Maritime · Fruity · Dark Chocolate · Fresh · Spiced

Did You Know?

Ardnahoe was built as Islay’s ninth distillery by Hunter Laing, a bottling house that had sold other people’s whisky for decades before getting a distillery of its own. The Laing family first learned to judge casks from all across Scotland, and then used that experience to decide how their own spirit should be made.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ardnahoe Infinite Loch Single Islay Malt Whisky 50%

What does the name Infinite Loch mean?

It refers to Loch Ardnahoe near the distillery, the deepest loch on Islay. The water seems to stretch on without end, and the whisky’s water comes directly from the loch.

How do the bourbon and sherry casks work together here?

The bourbon casks give vanilla, bright fruit and sweetness, while the Oloroso casks lay in darker fruit and spice. The smoke sits beneath it all. The combination gives more breadth than one cask type alone would.

How smoky is it?

Clearly smoky in the classic Islay sense, but balanced by the fruit and sweetness of the casks. The bonfire notes grow stronger towards the close rather than filling the glass from the first sip. See our full range of Scotch Whisky.

Is 50% a high strength?

Higher than the usual 40 to 46%, but a long way from cask strength. At 50% there is body enough to carry the smoke well, and the whisky can still be drunk neat without needing water.

Why is there no age statement?

Because the distillery only began distilling in 2018. All whisky from Ardnahoe is still young, and bottling is done by flavour profile rather than by date.

Does it work with food?

Try it with smoked salmon, oysters or a strong blue cheese. The smoke and the maritime character work well against salt and fat, and the fruit from the casks gives something to play against.