Air Leth 1988 MM (Murray McDavid)

Air Leth 1988 MM (Murray McDavid) is a blended Scotch from Murray McDavid. It folds malt and grain together, Caol Ila giving the Islay smoke. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

Caol Ila's elegant smoke gives the blend its coastal, citrus edge. An American oak cask shaped it, soft and sweet beneath the peat. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

At a hearty 50% it carries real weight. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. The oily body carries the smoke long and clean. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. A characterful smoky blended Scotch.