Ardmore is a Highland single malt from rural Aberdeenshire with an unusual trait for the eastern Highlands — a distinct thread of peat smoke. For over a century it was the beating heart of the Teacher’s blend, and as a single malt it is a robust, characterful and underrated dram.
History of Ardmore
Ardmore was founded in 1898 at Kennethmont, in the rolling farmland of Aberdeenshire, by Adam Teacher of William Teacher & Sons. It was built for a specific purpose: to provide the rich, smoky backbone for Teacher’s Highland Cream, one of Scotland’s great blended whiskies. For much of its life its spirit vanished into that blend, and it retained traditional practices — including coal-fired stills — unusually late, only converting in 2001. It is now owned by Beam Suntory.
The distillery today
Unusually for a Highland distillery, Ardmore has always used peated malt, giving its whisky a gentle smokiness more often associated with the islands. This peaty Highland character sets it apart from its fruity, unpeated neighbours and makes it a distinctive stop for whisky lovers exploring the north-east.
The whisky
Ardmore combines warming peat smoke with honey, cereal sweetness and green-fruit notes, producing a hearty, satisfying malt. The Legacy is its widely available core expression, with Tradition and Port Wood finishes and older bottlings offering greater depth. It is a great choice for anyone who enjoys a touch of smoke but finds the big Islay malts too intense.
Visiting Ardmore
Ardmore sits in the countryside of rural Aberdeenshire, within reach of the Speyside whisky trail to the west and the castles and coast of the north-east. It combines well with a wider tour of the Highlands and Speyside.
Discover more in our overview of Scotch whisky regions and our guide to the best whisky distilleries to visit in Scotland.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ardmore Distillery?
At Kennethmont in Aberdeenshire, in the eastern Highlands of Scotland.
Is Ardmore peated?
Yes — unusually for a Highland malt, Ardmore uses peated malt, giving it a gently smoky character.
What is Ardmore known for?
Being the smoky heart malt of the Teacher’s blend, and its distinctive peated Highland style.
What does Ardmore taste like?
Warming peat smoke with honey, cereal sweetness and green-fruit notes.
