Ardmore (Seyton) 2011/2023 - 12 y.o. - Macbeth Series Act One

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 52.5% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Former Laphroaig Barrels add another smoky influence to this peated Highland Single Malt. Seyton matured in American and European oak casks. Despite the pronounced influence of their previous contents, this twelve-year-old Ardmore retains a fresh, herbal character.

Seyton forms part of Act One of the Macbeth Collection and belongs to The Household series within the collection. The complete collection comprises 42 whiskies across six series, representing characters from Shakespeare’s tragedy. This release was limited to 3,200 bottles. Sir Quentin Blake created the illustration, while Dave Broom contributed the literary character notes.

The whisky was distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2023 at 52.5%. It is bottled without chill filtration or added colouring in a 0.7-litre bottle and comes in gift packaging.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, smoke and coastal notes meet farmyard impressions and an earthy, mushroom-like note. Marzipan, macadamia nut butter and almonds accompany crushed wild apples and a jute-like note. Lightly salted caramel, lemon zest and buttery biscuits complete the aroma.
• Palate: On the palate, malt, tar and honey combine with cooked stone and pome fruits. Nutty flavours, an oily texture and lightly medicinal notes add further detail. Wild apples, lemon zest, buttery biscuits and salted caramel return. The farmyard impressions recede, while a little trampled hay, damp jute, mushrooms and pan-seared root vegetables remain discernible.
• Finish: The finish is warming and earthy. Sweetness and salt accompany the smoke, while a lightly buttery note and fruity and medicinal hints linger.

Distillery/Bottler:

Ardmore lies near Kennethmont in Aberdeenshire, around 183 metres above sea level. Its location beside the Northern Railway helped founder Adam Teacher transport materials from Glasgow to this remote area. The distillery draws its water from natural springs on Knockandy Hill. Peated Single Malt is a defining part of its house style.

Elixir Distillers selected and bottled the whiskies for the Macbeth Collection in partnership with Livingstone. The project pairs different Scottish whisky characters with roles from the play and specially commissioned illustrations. The first act launched in February 2023 with nine bottlings, with Ardmore taking the role of Seyton.

Facts: