Nose: A classic sherried Islay. Treacle toffee and leather mixes with bright blackberries and strawberries drenched in cream; zesty citrus marries with dark, waxy comb honey; and intense maritime notes of ocean spray, kombu kelp and mineral touches of seashore pebbles emerge from underneath the sherried fruits.
Palate: Very true to the nose. Dark treacle toffee and more fruits, this time more cooked than fresh. Thick and chewy texture with roasted pecan nuts to the fore. The leathery, maritime notes persist with some warming spices of cloves and caraway. The peat comes over as a distant driftwood bonfire on a salt drenched seashore. A dark, smoky and fruity chutney balanced by a refreshing hint of spearmint. Wonderful balance with all elements in good equilibrium.
Finish: Long and seemingly everlasting. The dark bitter chocolate notes from the sherry cask persist to the last, along with some spicy toasted oak. The chewy toffeed fruits continue, but now are slightly drier than on the palate. The driftwood bonfire of the peat is now reduced to some smouldering embers. Again, the balance is perfect with all elements singing in harmony.