ARDRAY Unleashes the Magic: A Whisky Revelation for Connoisseurs
SCOTCH WHISKY
ARDRAY is not just a spirit; it's an opulent journey through time and taste, a masterpiece crafted to challenge conventions and redefine Scotch whisky.
7 MINS READ TIME
WORDS BY CLAUDIO CALDEIRA
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BEAM SUNTORY
The Scottish Highlands' rugged beauty meets Japan's precision and artistry. It's a marriage of worlds that defines a historic moment. The brilliant minds of Suntory's award-winning blending team have woven together the finest, most intricate whiskies to honor the unique essence of Scotch.
The ARDRAY saga begins with a visionary dream – a dream of a whisky that dances on the palate with layers of flavors. Calum Fraser, the mastermind behind Beam Suntory's Scotch, collaborated tirelessly with Suntory's blend artisans to breathe life into this liquid artwork. Their inspiration? This is a nod to the bygone era when master blenders wove fewer yet character-laden malts into masterpieces of distinction, complexity, and depth. ARDRAY is a bridge between the past and the future.
Now, imagine the iconic Shinjiro Torii, the Father of Japanese Whisky, whose journey comes full circle. A century ago, he envisioned a Japanese approach to crafting a subtly refined yet complex whisky inspired by traditional Scottish spirits. ARDRAY pays homage to Torii's quest, reinterpreting Scotch for the Japanese palate, culminating in a refined masterpiece that celebrates the excellence of blended Scotch Whisky.
ARDRAY believes blended whisky is an art form deserving of respect and rediscovery. By elevating malt and grain whiskies to equal status, they have created a symphony in a bottle, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
From the hallowed halls of Beam Suntory, a global leader in premium spirits, and the prestigious Edrington, proprietors of The Macallan, The Glenrothes, and Highland Park, ARDRAY draws from only the finest Scotch distilleries. Each sip embodies the essence of Scotland's terroir and the time-honored traditions of its distilleries, reflecting the unique spirit and character of each.
Calum Fraser, Chief Blender for Scotch, shares his passion: "ARDRAY is the culmination of our relentless pursuit of excellence. We've meticulously selected the crème de la crème of Scotch whiskies and collaborated with Suntory's talented blending team to craft something new and thrilling. Our journey led us to explore hundreds of blends to achieve ARDRAY's harmonious layers of flavor. It promises a rich and intricate taste, with gentle floral notes, citrusy fruitiness, vanilla custard creaminess, a velvety mouthfeel, and an unforgettable, lingering finish."
Now, imagine this masterpiece encased in bespoke bottles, each bearing the mark of its release year. The enchanting artwork of Lia Melia adorns each vessel, capturing the raw beauty of Scotland. The bottle's texture mirrors Scottish streams' flowing waters and the barley fields' wind-swept patterns.
ARDRAY is a bold revelation, bottled at 48% alcohol by volume (96 proof), unfiltered to preserve the whisky's full, intricate character. A harmonious blend of Scottish Malt and Grain whisky, each annual batch is adjusted to perfection based on the unique qualities of its casks.
And now, the moment you've been waiting for – the Tasting Notes:
Aroma:
Imagine hints of apple, pear, and plum caressing a soft, savory smokiness, with whispers of oregano and clementine.
Taste:
Delight in a gentle floral and citrus fruitiness that unveils a lightness and elegance. As it unfolds, experience the velvety vanilla custard creaminess.
Mouthfeel:
It's a complex, multi-layered sensation that enriches your senses.
Finish:
A long-lasting, gentle, sweet smokiness kissed with soft white pepper and oregano notes.
ARDRAY is now gracing select retailers in the exquisite cities of Los Angeles and New York. Prepare for a whisky journey where tradition and innovation create the extraordinary.
