Usually when we're offered old peated malt, it comes with some expected sticker shock. We've had great opportunities in previously offering some older peated stocks, in particular from Old Particular via the Bowmore Distillery. And while those whiskies are relatively affordable compared to other Islays on the market, they are by no means overtly undervalued. They're fairly priced, but still a stark premium above a regular Highlander. Right now, if we want to buy 12 year old Laphroaig in a private barrel we're paying upwards of £100 a bottle before importation costs. But a little distillery in the Highlands has been cranking out top notch peated malt for decades without many people taking any notice. Partly that's because the distillery doesn't do much marketing, always in the shadow of the big Islays in the portfolio namely Laphroaigh. And of course the Highland peaters have their own character and it's especially rare to see an old one like this, some might brush this cask off because of their experience with the younger distillery bottlings. How wrong you would be to ignore stunning example. The complexity achieved here is absolutely astonishing. Sadly countless people will nonetheless skip over our poor little Ardmore due to some preconceived notions or expectations. For those who have a bit of faith and don't want to overspend for Islay wonders, you may have found your whisky of the year. Few bottlings will deliver more pleasure for less than this buoyent little bounty.