Ledaig 10 Years Old (46.3%, OB, 2012)

• 46.3% ABV,
• £30 for 70cl
• Score: 80/100

What they say:

Ledaig is a wonderfully distinguished single malt. Not only is it handcrafted in the Tobermory Distillery, the only distillery on the dramatic, colourful Isle of Mull, but it can claim to also be the sole peated malt from this famous 18th century shrine to quality.

The laying in ancient vaults for a full ten years, the superior oak wood casks, the dark, aromatic lochan water from high on the mountains and the malted barley – exclusively peat dried.  Together they create a robust and vibrant lighthouse to quality that’s floral and smoky.  Un-chillfiltered at 46.3% is a transformation which will delight whisky drinkers.

The specially selected glass proudly embraces the heritage of the Tobermory Distillery with its proud, bold, established date adorning the bottle.  The bottle has been designed to sit as a family with the Tobermory 10 yo and 15 yo variants, providing an elegant look across the whole family.  The bottle is presented in a quality gift carton.

Colour

Bright lemony gold.

Nose

Sweet briny smokiness with a distinctly island character that hints at mild antiseptic, creosote, wax polish, mint chocolate and floral seaside aromas.

Palate

Tantalisingly sweet yet medicinal flavours release sparks of spicy pepper with peaty smoke and vanilla malty creaminess.

Finish

Spicy white pepper and sweet vibrant liquorice and cloves with a lingering saltiness Un-chillfiltered @ 46.3%.

What I say:

The last of my mini Deanston/Tobermory vertical tasting was completed by the Ledaig 10 Years Old, specifically tasted immediately after the Tobermory 10 Years Old in order to determine the contribution of the peated barley. Another £5 for 50ml miniature purchased from the Deanston distillery shop.

Colour:

Rich gold

Nose:

Milk chocolate and earthy peat, marzipan, sweet esters and peanut brittle

Taste:

Somewhere between Dark and Milk Terry’s Chocolate Orange, chocolate and orange zest, peanut, peat smoke, sweet, grapefruit zest and bitter coffee

Finish:

Peaty, grapefruit pith, toffee and a little herbal, quite long

Would I buy it again:

I’m not so sure with the Ledaig (pronounced led-chig) 10YO peated whisky from Tobermory. I love the chocolatey-ness of Tobermory 10YO, but the Ledaig seems a little mixed up to me. A distinct mix of fruit and bitter which works really well but is a bit of a mouthful to drink. I think given the choice I would go for the Tobermory 9 times out of 10. Paula on the other hand really didn’t agree with this malt, its’ not got the depth of peat that Islay malts give, nor the out and out fruitiness of some of the highlanders or sherried Highland/Islay whiskies. While the straight 10YO didn’t ring our bell though, a recent tasting of the Gordon & MacPhail St. Joseph’s wine-finished Ledaig had us both singing its praise!