Ardnamurchan - The Midgie - Batch 2 48%
Nestled on the westernmost peninsula of the Highlands, the Ardnamurchan distillery has established itself as one of the most precise names in the new Scottish scene. Long fermentations, patient distillation, and meticulous maturation deliver single malts of rare balance, where a delicate maritime texture meets a luminous fruitiness. The Midgie pays homage to the famous Highland midge and expresses the most gourmet and saline side of the house.
The Midgie Batch 2 is a blend of 75 percent unpeated and 25 percent peated single malt, matured in 50 percent bourbon casks, 48 percent port casks, and 2 percent sherry casks. The 48 percent batch is unchill-filtered and uncolored to preserve texture and aromatic density. The 2025 release is more widely available than the first batch, with a deliberately contrasting sweet and savory profile.
On the nose, the expression combines flambéed pineapple and roasted ham, strawberry jam on salted biscuit, sea prune and a touch of almond, coconut macaroon and sweet mint. The palate opens with salted pear, meadow flowers and golden malt, then gains depth with sultana, cocoa powder and a cherry wood ember. The finish is long, carried by an airy smoke, a fine pink salt and a burst of red currant which prolongs the length.
At the table, serve it neat in a tulip glass between 16 and 18°C, or with a few drops of water to highlight the notes of red fruits and fine herbs. Recommended pairing with smoked salmon, seared scallops, glazed pork belly, mature cheddar, or dark chocolate with cocoa nibs. In cocktails, it enhances an Old Fashioned with cocoa bitters.