Hunter Laing & Co. has announced the launch of the third core release from its Islay-based Ardnahoe Distillery.

Ardnahoe 5 Year Old – Cask Strength Edition (60.9% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky matured exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels.

This latest expression from the family-owned distillery is said to offer aromas of coastal brine, earthy peat and rich cocoa on the nose, followed by notes of orchard fruits, herbal tea, salted caramel, smoke and citrus on the palate.

The Cask Strength Edition – batch one of an ongoing series – follows Ardnahoe’s two previous core range releases: the fruity and peppery Bholsa, matured in Oloroso sherry casks and the smoky, zesty Infinite Loch, which was matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso Sherry casks.

Commenting on the launch, David Livingstone, Distillery Manager at Ardnahoe, said: “The third bottling in our core range is a very special one and marks a significant moment for the distillery. Cask strength whisky is undiluted – bottled straight from the cask – allowing for a more intense flavour profile and giving the drinker full control to dilute it to their preference.”

Ardnahoe 5 Year Old – Cask Strength Edition will be available from 30th October via the distillery’s website and selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £65.00.