Ardmore Legacy 70cl

Gentle smoke, big drinkability, zero drama, this is the Highland single malt for when you want a hint of campfire without turning your whole glass into a bonfire.

Ardmore Legacy sits in that sweet spot between “I only drink easy Scotch” and “I want peat, but I’m not trying to lick an ashtray.” It’s a great entry point if you’ve been curious about smoky whisky, and it’s also a solid weeknight pour for seasoned drinkers who don’t need every sip to be a wrestling match.

• Nose: Heather honey, warm cereal malt, a waft of distant smoke, plus a little citrus peel.
• Taste: Honeyed biscuits and toasted oak up front, then a peppery edge and soft, earthy smoke that stays in balance.
• Finish: Medium length, gently smoky, with lingering spice and dry oak.

How to drink it: Start neat to catch the honey-and-smoke combo, then add a splash of water to pull out more citrus. It also makes a seriously good Whisky Highball, the light smoke keeps things interesting without bulldozing the soda.

Why you’ll care: This is a single malt that plays nice. The smoky character adds personality, but it doesn’t demand a whole tasting ritual. That means you’ll actually reach for it, whether you’re pouring one after work, sharing a glass with a friend who “doesn’t like smoky stuff,” or building a simple two-ingredient drink that still tastes like you tried.

Where it’s from: The Highlands, Scotland. Highland malts are known for being versatile and crowd-friendly, and this one leans into that, with smoke used like seasoning, not a full-on smoke bomb.

Discovery nudge: If Glenfiddich 12 is your comfort zone and you’ve been eyeing peaty bottles from Islay, this is the smart middle step. You get that smoky thrill, but with enough honeyed malt to keep it easy.

Fun Fact: Ardmore has been making whisky in the Highlands since the late 1800s, and the distillery is known for keeping a smoky house style, even when it’s dialled back like it is in Legacy.