42 covers two distinct styles – this one definetely seems like it’s Tobermory rather than Ledaig (boo!). It’s been matured since 2005 in a 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel. Oily & Coastal profile.
Nose: Fresh and coastal but somewhat neutral – cracker bread, hay, rainwater and a coastal breeze. Water adds more touch more depth with seafood and a light bisque, but overall this remains rather impersonal.
Taste: Still far too restrained for my liking – apples, with grapefruit and lime peels for a bit of zing. In the background, bread, cask char and a touch of olive brine. Reduction offers improvement with a more oily arrival, meatiness from roast ham and some coal dust minerals.
Finish: Medium, fairly mineral with a slightly salinity.
Taken at its natural 62.2% ABV, there’s little here for me to recommend I’m afraid – both the nose and the palate are so quiet as to be largely mute. Dilution improves things with some meatiness and mineral/coastal intricacies, but there’s still not a wealth of aroma and flavour here. Sadly rather tedious.