LEDAIG 16 ans 2009 1st Fill Amontillado Itinéraires Murray McDavid

Nose : rich, concentrated. Oily peat takes centre-stage in an upswelling of brine and sea salt, with preserved lemon, Williams pear and heady florals (broom) fusing in an enthralling opening. Allowed to breathe, aromas of barley porridge, verbena, almond milk and wax rise to the surface, shining a light on the aroma palette’s infused, oxidative heart.

Palate : lively yet smooth. Opening with rich, oily peat and milky notes (almond) to mirror the nose. Unfolding in a bouquet of florals (violet) with mineral (slate) and sweet (marshmallow) undertones, the flavour palette gradually shifts into a whirlpool of aquatic notes (water lily, reed).

Overall : crisp, silky. Closing with a quietly tannic (bloom) accent, leading us deep into the luscious countryside with an unmistakably maritime feel (salt marshes, samphire). Showing liquorice (sticks), heady (violet, cornflower), herbaceous (tobacco), ash and seaweed notes, the retro-olfaction is both airy and deep-rooted. The empty glass is as rich and inviting as a bowl of piping hot porridge.