Ledaig 1998 Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish

This Ledaig was on my list since I tried the limited edition 18 year old Spanish Sherry Wood Finish last year. As I've mentioned before, I generally avoid whiskies costing over 100 euros, as there's so much to discover in less expensive categories, but my curiosity got the better of me for this one, and it became my top priority. My partner noticed I kept it on my wishlist but also seemed hesitant to buy it, so she decided to get it for me as an excellent surprise for my 46th birthday. And she was absolutely right! I was indeed surprised and eager to finally try it! Perhaps a spoiler alert is needed here, but despite my high hopes, I found this Ledaig 19 Oloroso Cask Finish to be a magnificent dram. Initially, the nose seemed a bit weak and faint, but after a few minutes of air, distinct hints of leather and dark fruits emerged. Then, I encountered a delightful, intricate dram with abundant peat smoke, clear notes of orange zest, salted caramel, and undoubtedly some bittersweet dark chocolate. Maybe there's even a hint of cookie dough? Everything was perfectly harmonized. Like the Spanish Sherry finished 18 year old, the Oloroso Sherry influence is evident and clear, but not overpowering. After swallowing, the flavor lingers for a considerable time. For me, this is an absolutely fantastic dram! It's a coincidence, but this whisky was distilled around the same time I met my wonderful partner in the late summer of 1998. It signaled the beginning of a completely new and thrilling chapter in our lives. We got married just a year later, and our first child was born the following year. We moved homes and had our second child. We've certainly created many happy memories since then. It might sound sentimental, but the fact that this excellent dram was distilled and aged during the same year I met my partner adds an extra layer of significance for me. It doesn't improve the taste, but it makes it a bottle I'll treasure for a long time, and I'll take my time savoring it!