Croftengea - Marsala Finish - Murray McDavid - 44.5%
This Croftengea Marsala Finish bottled by Murray McDavid at 44.5% reveals a unique and very expressive facet of this intensely peated single malt from the Loch Lomond distillery. The deep gold color with copper reflections already announces the indulgence brought by the Marsala cask maturation. The initial nose blends a dense yet elegant smoke with notes of dried fruits, fig, Corinthian raisin, and candied orange peel. In the background, one perceives malted cereal, dark honey, a saline hint, and a touch of soft leather that recall Croftengea's robust character. The peat is both earthy and slightly medicinal, never overpowering the fruit. The whole profile is powerful, indulgent, and surprisingly harmonious.
On the palate, the attack is broad, slightly oily, with smoke that unfolds immediately but quickly merges into a rich body of dried fruits and gentle spices. The Marsala adds an extra layer of complexity, with notes of date, plum, brown caramel, and roasted hazelnut coating the palate. The structure remains dynamic, driven by a tangy thread of bitter orange and lemon zest that keeps the whisky perfectly digestible. The peat, initially very present, gradually blends into a more chocolatey, slightly ashy register, with hints of coffee and black pepper. The 44.5% ABV is perfectly integrated, offering controlled warmth that emphasizes rather than imposes. The finish, long and persistent, marries smoke, dried fruits, spices, and a very seductive touch of vinegary sweetness.
This Croftengea Marsala Finish by Murray McDavid appeals as much to lovers of pronounced peat as to those curious about original finishes on characterful profiles. It is ideally enjoyed neat or with a slight drop of water to further open the layers of dried fruits, spices, and smoke. At the table, it will find a fine echo with intense dark chocolates, dried fruit desserts, a lightly sweetened tiramisu, or well-aged hard cheeses. It can also accompany a delicate cigar or a simple moment of meditative tasting, as the balance between indulgence and peat invites taking time. It is a single malt with personality, both generous, structured, and very clear, showing how a well-mastered finish can enhance a powerful distillate without denaturing it.
