Ardmore Traditional Cask vs. the Indies

[Bulkington]

Would anyone who's able care to say something about the Ardmore Traditional Cask relative to some of the indies they've tried? I've yet to try it, but I have had and liked the Signatory Unchillfiltered Ardmore and, I think, the G&M Cask Strength. How does the new ob compare? Thanks.

-b

[bamber]

I've had 4-5 IB Ardmores (SMWS, G&M CS, ?) and I preferred them all by some margin over the Traditional Cask, which I'm not very fond of.

[Laphroaig]

Interesting, bamber. I've only tasted it at the WoW event but thought it tasted fairly similar to both the Indie bottles I have.

Is there anything specific / particular with the TC that you are not "fond of"?

[bamber]

Hi Laphroaig,

It tastes like a cheap blend has been mixed in with it to me - kind of bitter caramel with rough smoke thread going on.

Really do not like it much.







Edit - obviously I'm not suggesting it's not a SM.

[Ganga]

I've yet to try the TC but I've enjoyed the Ardmores I've been having recently. The best so far was a Glenhaven bottling that was off the charts. Thank you S'tan.

[Laphroaig]

Hi Laphroaig,

It tastes like a cheap blend has been mixed in with it to me - kind of bitter caramel with rough smoke thread going on.

Really do not like it much.

Edit - obviously I'm not suggesting it's not a SM.

A frightening thought LOL. I did get what I believe is an early release / promotional bottle (not open) but hope or at least assume it is what was poured at WoW.

I haven't heard other complaints (yet) so I hope what you've experienced is a fluke of some sort. The sample (I went back for more too) at WoW was definitely a bright spot.

[Deactivated Member]

I bought a bottle of the first release of this and was pretty underwhelmed. I have also tried the second release (not head to head) and was also underwhelmed. On the other hand, I have tried their Centenary 12yo OB, G&M Cask Ardmore and various SMWS bottlings which have been much, much better. Indy (and Centenary) Ardmore can be quite ashy/smoky, whereas the Traditional Cask just tastes rather bland with only a vague sense of smoke. In fairness, the SMWS bottlings have been mixed - when they're good, they are very good but some have tended towards being a blit dull.

[Muskrat Portage]

I've not had an opportunity to try the OB Ardmore as all I've found is the Signatory $78.95 11yo (1992) Cask 1377 Btl 255 of 287.

I seem to remember that it too is a bit insipid and nothing to really write home about. That being said, at least I have one in the collection to offer when guests request some.

Musky

[TroyM]

I found the TC to have a really fake caramel taste lurking in the background and was really unbalanced. Strangly, the caramel seems to have disappeared once it got down to just under the top of the label and it seems more balanced. Oxidisation I suppose.

[Willie JJ]

I think Nick has it right with underwhelmed. The traditional cask has yet to make me think anything very much at all, despite several attempts. There are good Ardmore bottlings out there. Most recently I had the G&M CS which I found to be excellent.

[Laphroaig]

Tough to argue with so many "under-whelming" comments.

I suppose all I can do is hope I'm not in for the shock of my life when I get around to opening mine... probably doesn't help that I've recommended a couple of friends pick it up though...

[bamber]

Tough to argue with so many "under-whelming" comments.

I suppose all I can do is hope I'm not in for the shock of my life when I get around to opening mine... probably doesn't help that I've recommended a couple of friends pick it up though...

I would not worry, many other people have said positive stuff about it (it was on special offer in a UK supermarket for a while) and a lot was bought.

[Ganga]

Tough to argue with so many "under-whelming" comments.

I suppose all I can do is hope I'm not in for the shock of my life when I get around to opening mine... probably doesn't help that I've recommended a couple of friends pick it up though...

I really didn't care for the ATC when the bottle was fresh but now that it's had a little bit of time the flavors are starting to balance and integrate. Here were my thoughts last night.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2193&start=12110

[borgom]

Laph, why don't you crack it open and find out for yourself?
I'd be interested in your thought's.
Personally I prefer the IB's - the DB tastes a little too manipulated/flat.
It's not a bad malt though, just average or a little above.

[hilliamash]

I personally like the TC, although there are better ones out there in terms of both SM's and bottlings. I am a large fan of Teacher's, so that partly explains my affinity for the Ardmore TC---I've always found it nicely smoky and with a nose that reminds me of sinking into an old leather chair.

[borgom]

I agree. I'm actually not sure that I don't like Teachers better than ATC...

[TroyM]

sorry double post