Ardnamurchan 7 Year Old (8 Year) "Single Barrel #75" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

It’s difficult to grasp just how much the industry has shifted over the past decade and a half. When we first began traveling to Scotland to select casks, the Scots were genuinely surprised that Americans had any interest in drinking cask-strength, single-barrel single malt. They were more than happy to let us rummage through their dimly lit warehouses in search of the perfect barrel. But over the next 15 years, the landscape changed. What was once a critical avenue for building reputations—offering single casks—slowly became an inconvenience for many producers. Depending on who you asked, the reasons varied: it didn’t fit a blender’s new philosophy, it was too costly, there wasn’t enough stock, or simply—no reason at all. Whatever the excuse, the industry’s refusal to support this vital niche has been a misstep. In doing so, they alienated their most engaged consumers—the very people who talk about these brands and advocate for them. Thankfully, a new guard of Scottish distillers is emerging—those who understand the value of this model—and we’ve been fortunate to stay close with some of them. One we've long anticipated is the outstanding Ardnamurchan Distillery, located on Scotland’s rugged western coast. Like other operations started by independent bottlers, Ardnamurchan was built with the single malt drinker in mind. But they’ve been smart: they haven’t rushed to push out single casks at the expense of their core expressions. Now, after ten years of asking, they’ve finally agreed to let us select an exclusive single cask. My goal was simple: find the most delicious barrel, yes—but also one that captures the essence of Ardnamurchan. As a true farm-to-glass producer nestled on a remote coastline, it had to be wild and malty. While they do make a peated whisky, they don’t harvest or malt their own barley, so I felt the unpeated version better represented the Murchie story. Let’s taste it. A glowing yellow gold in the glass (0.5). The nose instantly transports me to the craggy coast of western Scotland—rugged and precise, with notes of lemon oil, sea spray, crabapple, baked pear, ginger, and fresh sourdough. The angular nose belies the whisky’s lush texture. The palate bursts with sweet, salty yellow fruits, Himalayan salt, marmalade, polished metal, and orange blossom water. The finish is broad and lingering, adding layers of vanilla and exotic spice. With a few drops of water, everything amplifies—both fruit and spice swell—while a soft floral lift and the faintest wisp of white smoke emerge. Nothing perfumey, just a graceful expansion. To me, this is quintessential Ardnamurchan. And I hope—truly hope—it’s only the beginning. An outstanding cask.