Ardmore 1997 HL

Recent changes at Ardmore Distillery demonstrate the complexity of whisky production chains. To reduce environmental impact from distillation residues, Ardmore introduced two new process steps that significantly altered its production model. Between 2015-2016, the distillery installed a pot ale evaporator and wastewater treatment plant. To ensure proper operation, anti-foaming agents could not be used during fermentation. The distillery aimed to produce clearer wort, but this risked foam creation in washbacks, requiring measures to eliminate it. They reduced sugar content by 0.5 tons, decreasing mash tun fill levels, which allowed foam reduction through switchers. Ardmore is equipped with a copper-topped 12-ton cast iron mash filter, 14 Douglas fir washbacks (4 large, 10 small), and 4 pairs of stills. Currently operating 23 mashes weekly over 7 days, producing 4.3 million liters of new spirit annually. Ardmore is the region's only distillery producing peated whisky using barley with phenol levels of 12-14 ppm. Their earthy Highland peat is sourced from St Fergus. They also produce unpeated Ardlair for 6-7 months annually (approximately half their output). Ardlair's fermentation time is 70 hours versus Ardmore's standard 55 hours. Ardmore supplies base whisky for Teacher's blended whisky while producing its own single malt range, including Legacy (80% peated/20% unpeated), 12-year-old, and 4-year port cask finish. In 2015, Ardmore released Tradition and Triple Wood (no age statement) exclusively through duty-free, with Triple Wood matured in bourbon, quarter, and sherry casks. 2017 saw a 20-year-old release matured in first-fill and refill bourbon casks, followed by a second batch and 30-year-old expression in 2018.