A Review of Ardnamurchan’s Midgie Whisky

September 16, 2025

As you will no doubt be aware if you’re familiar with the blogs here at Great Drams, Scotland is one of my favourite places to visit in the entire world. Considering its rich and storied history with whisky, coupled with the different distilleries scattered around the country, I’m literally like a kid in a sweetshop every time I visit.

Even though there’s something magical and eerie about visiting Scotland and touring the rugged, barren highlands in the midst of winter, for me, Scotland during the summer just cannot be beaten. It’s bustling with activity, the countryside looks amazing, there’s so much wildlife on show, and sipping on a fine single malt in a beer garden in the sunshine just cannot be beaten.

The only downside to Scotland during the summer? Those pesky midges, or midgies, as they’re also known. Having been bitten to shreds by these wee beasties on numerous occassions, I can honestly say they’re every bit as bad as people make out. Despite my burning hatred for these buzzing pests, the midgie I’m going to talk to you about today is one which fills me with immense pleasure.

Yes, that’s right, I’m going to be looking at Ardnamurchan’s latest summer release – The Midgie!

An Unusual Whisky Collaboration

Over the years, we’ve witnessed some truly mind-boggling collaborations in the world of whisky. We’ve seen rock stars and musicians team up with famous distilleries, sports stars and athletes, and even Hollywood superstars. One whisky collaboration I didn’t have on my bingo card, however, was a collaboration with an insect repellent brand.

Yes, you did read that right, and no, you’re not suffering from some insect bite induced fever dream, one of the most famous names in whisky did indeed team up with an insect repellent brand to release a truly exceptional dram!

Last year, Ardnamurchan Distillery teamed up with Smidge – an established insect repellent brand to produce The Midgie. The limited release proved so popular, that it’s back again for another summer, just like those horrible little buzzing pests that share its namesake.

Having been founded back in 2014, this Highlands distillery is one of the most remote in the entire country. Interestingly, as well as unpeated whisky, which is commonplace with Highland distilleries, they also produce peated drams. With the capacity to produce more than 500,000 litres of spirit each year, the distillery is powered by renewable energy sources, so it gets the Great Drams seal of approval from the offset.

Ardnamurchan The Midgie Review

Last year, when this expression was released for the first time, it was limited to a UK-wide release only. This year, The Midgie is flying further afield, as the whisky will be rolled out worldwide to mark the start of summer.

One of the first things that jumps out at me is the artwork on the label. I absolutely love it. It features a cartoon depiction of an angry looking midgie, complete with tartan Balmoral Bonnet.

While similar to their core range, along with the blend of unpeated and peated whiskies, aged in bourbon and sherry casks, The Midgie also features the inclusion of drams aged in a variety of Madeira and Sauternes casks, this gives amazing depth, flavour, and character.

Bottled at a biting 48% ABV, this no-age statement dram is a gorgeous shimmering golden copper colour.

On the nose, it opens with punchy citrus aromas, combined with sweet vanilla custard, strawberry jelly, marzipan, and apricot jam. There’s a whisper of smokiness lurking in the background.

On the palate, the fortified wine and sherry notes really make their presence felt. There are strong flavours of grapes, dates, figs, and raisins, balanced beautifully with sweeter notes of buttery scones, topped with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. There are also definite notes of salted caramel here, with a light earthy smokiness from the peated drams.

The finish is shorter than expected, with sharp, citrus notes. I picked up lemon and lime zest, a hint of mint, and lightly smoked oak. Delicious, and very moreish.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, be sure to head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the selection of fine whiskies we have available.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.

Tags: ArdnamurchanMidgie Whisky

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.