
Uncharted Whisky, The Pretender, Ardmore 9 Year Old

Key Facts About This Single& Malt Scotch
Bottler: Uncharted Whisky Company
Founders: Jack Breslin and Dana de Vos
Release: The Pretender
Distillery: Ardmore
Region: Highlands, Scotland
Age: 9 years
Distilled: November 2013
Bottled: March 2023
Cask Type: Single ex-Laphroaig cask
Cask Ref: UC019
Alcohol by Volume: Cask strength at 58.4%
Outturn: 58 bottles
Bottle Size: 700ml
Bottled: Natural colour and non chill filtered
Ardmore 9 Year Old Tasting Notes
Official tasting notes
Nose: Bright pear drops, pineapple, citrus, coconut and a touch of malt. A hint of mellow smoke.
Palate: Mellow smoke despite the cask strength accompanies lychees, pineapple and a touch of malted barley.
Finish: This bright and zingy, fades to mellow smoke and a beautiful waxy mouthfeel.
Ed's review
Colour: Natural colour, pale straw. Coats the glass with parallel legs gliding down.
Nose: A plate of custard creams next to a log fire. Creamy malt, orange peel, vanilla and oak.
Palate: Medium mouthfeel. Autumnal spices mix with campfire smoke. Pear and orange citrus. Creamy pearl barley. Alcohol is well integrated adding just a little bright zing.
Finish: Long finish. Bright and alive. A fresh citrus note dances with the smoke to leave the palate refreshed.
Overall: A delightful Ardmore, one that feels perfect for enjoying as the sun sets.
About Uncharted's The Pretender
Introducing, The Pretender, cask strength at 58.4%, this peated Highland spirit has matured in ex-Laphroaig casks. Theoretically, this should taste like a would-be Islay… Simply not true. This whisky exudes vibrant tropical fruits, pear drops and a much-heralded waxiness that I’ve always viewed as a rare treat in single malt. As far as smoky Highlands go, this is one of the best.
Aged for 9 years in ex-Laphroaig casks, hasn't introduced the medicinal coastal flavour that divides so many people, rather the Highland character is vibrantly thriving. Complicated, vivacious fruity awesomeness all mingled in with gentle smoke. This release represents just 58 bottles, aged 9 years, and bottled at cask strength.
Where can you ship?
We're based in the UK, but we can ship to many countries.
We deliver to Australia, Canada (Alberta), China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, UK, US (certain states*), and Vietnam.
*We can ship to the following US states duty-paid (so no further taxes for you): Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana,Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming.
How much is shipping?
Shipping charges are calculated during checkout, depending on where you live and how many bottles you’re buying. Shipping within the UK is free on orders over £100.
What about taxes?
All alcoholic products sold by TopWhiskies are sold subject to UK alcohol tax, which is already included in the price.
UK sales are subject to VAT (currently 20%), which is included in the price. Sales outside of the UK are not subject to this tax, and international prices do not include it.
We use a specialist US shipper who sorts out US taxes. These costs are factored into the US shipping charges. So shipping may look pricey, but remember it covers your taxes as well.
For all other territories, including those in Europe, please note: your order could be subject to local sales taxes and duties upon arrival in the destination country. All additional charges are the responsibility of the recipient. As customs policies vary widely from country to country, TopWhiskies has no control over these charges, so you should contact your local customs office for further information. If you refuse to pay any import duties and taxes, this could result in the goods being destroyed by customs or being returned back to us - any refund offered would include a deduction of our costs.
Which couriers do you use?
In the UK we use Royal Mail, Parcelforce and APC. US orders are sent via UPS. International orders use FedEx and DHL.
Need help?
For help, or custom orders, please contact Ed on email ed@topwhiskies.com
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Meet The Founders
Jack Breslin and Dana de Vos