1997 Ledaig 20 Year "Munros"

The last of my small exploration through some Ledaig offerings, is a sample generously provided by @jonwilkinson7309 of an IB from Munros for K and L that was distilled in 1997 and matured in an ex-bourbon cask for 20 years before being bottled at 52.6%. The nose starts with applewood smoked bacon, caramelized pear tart and vanilla extract then tangy barbecued short ribs and seaside rocky minerality followed by sautéed cinnamon apples, candied lemon peel and grilled peaches that transitions to candied ginger, cloves and moderate campfire ash with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a thin to medium mouthfeel starting with applewood smoked bacon, caramelized pear tarte and charred orange peel before a mild peppery spice that slowly fades to tangy barbecued short ribs, burning hay bales and seaside rocky minerality followed by sautéed cinnamon apples, grilled peaches and lime zest that transitions to candied ginger, cloves and moderate campfire ash with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with charred tangy short ribs, sautéed apples, seaside rocky minerality and burnt hay bales. Overall, this is an above average dram that balances meaty smoke with light notes of slightly sour citrus, seaside rocky minerality, charred hay and a mild sweetness but the flavors are on the thinner side than I expected from the high 52.6% ABV and after 20 years this is lacking those old oak notes that I was hoping for. I decided to side by side it with the Ledaig 10 year and the extra ABV created a slightly bolder flavor profile than the 10, but otherwise they are very similar. I guess my thought of just ramping the ABV up on the 10 to intensify the flavors didn’t pan out after all and I’ve found that my preference leans more towards sherry aged Ledaig.