CRAIGELLACHIE 18 ans 1999 American Oak LMDW Cellar Book

Nose : firm, powerful. The very concentrated initial nose is characterised by notes of dried fruit, heady florals (iris), white fruit (peach, apple) and strong spices (ginger, clove), all closely intertwined. This very dense olfactory opening lingers for a long time. Then, it moves into a simultaneously vegetal (barley, fern), vanilla and buttery register. _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_

Palate : rich, full of energy. Just as persuasive as the initial nose, the attack reveals a strong personality. Initially very floral (mimosa, broom), it then develops into particularly exotic and juicy fruits (pineapple, mango). The very fresh mid-palate is mentholated and slightly camphoric. With time, smooth tannins tighten the palate. Gradually, it becomes liquoricey and delicately woody (oak).

Overall : long, concentrated. With just as much firmness, the finish becomes incredibly malty, like biting into barley grains straight from the malting floor. Floral perfumes (violet, lavender) and ripe fruit (Mirabelle plum, pear) add lots of nuance to the very end of the palate. It then lingers with notes of damp earth and camphor._x000D_