Ledaig 1998 (bottled 2014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Ive tried a few of these bottlings before. I've always been intrigued by Ledaig and I'm a peat lover. On first opening it was very pungent strong burnt rubber peaty reak to it but it relaxed a bit. I much prefer the 46% over the 43% the earlier bottlings and this is definitely paler than earlier ones as well. It has a deep, wet wood, smokey and rubbery nose that belies the lighter palate with an orchard fruit sort of peppery and tangy sweetness the finishes as much more smoothly than it arrives with a lingering smokiness and a salty briny edge. I think its definitely one that develops over an evening taking in a glass or two. I have very much enjoyed this with its slightly Jekyll and Hyde nature the nose and arrival being in your face but then revealing a more delicate and mature side. Would recommend a drop or two or water, which certainly improved it to my taste.

23rd January 2015