Lady of the Glen 14yr secret islay

The last of my Bunnahabhain exploration is a sample generously provided by @ctbeck11 of a 14-year IB by Lady of the Glen that was aged in an oloroso cask and bottled at 56.2% The nose starts moderately sour with golden raisins, lemon juice, creamy rich caramel and a light sea salt then dark chocolate cherry flavored mocha and toasted hazelnuts followed by balsamic strawberries, lychee and ruby red grapefruit that transitions to moderate baking spices, leather and polished oak with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy orchard fruit before quickly turning moderately sour with golden raisins, lemon juice and moderate ocean brine then a moderately bitter and sour spice that slowly fades to chalk, cocoa powder dusted prunes and almond croissant followed by balsamic strawberries, lychee and grapefruit juice that transitions to cloves, ginger, leather and polished oak with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with dark chocolate cherry mocha, almond croissant, cloves, ginger, mild black pepper, leather and polished oak. This is a very enjoyable dram that is dominated by moderate sour citrus but there is a creamy sweetness that prevents it from veering into overly sour territory along with ocean brine, earthy spices and well-aged oak to create a nice depth of flavor. As I’m not particularly fond of sour and bitter notes, others could find this to be more favorable to their palates than mine, but that sour citrus along with some moderate bitter spices prevents this from excellence for me.

Very quaffable even at cask strength. Dark fruit and strawberry on the nose and palate. Has a very strong salty jam note that I found pleasant. Reminded me of a nice continental breakfast. Which is to say that it was perfectly fine and got the job done but you’re gonna be hungry an hour later.