The Tobermory Distillery on the picturesque Isle of Mull isn't home to just unpeated whisky. It also makes superbly smoky single malt under the name of Ledaig (that name isn't simply a coincidence, by the way - Ledaig was one of the distillery's previous names!). Distilled using the same pot stills as the classic unpeated Tobermory expression, just with peated barley instead, the whisky boasts plumes of rich, earthy, almost medicinal smoke, with underlying fresh fruit and crushed spice notes. This particular expression ages for 10 years before bottled at the very specific strength of 46.3% ABV.
Quite light and well-balanced. There is a very soft peat with a gentle smoke. Notes of barley and malt extract, with walnut and pine oil and a hint of iodine, dried fruit and nuts.
Medium-bodied and quite rich. There are notes of spice and smoke gathering above the charred oak. The peat is quiet and dry with a touch of black pepper and earth.
Medium-length and slightly smoky with spice.
Nose: Soft, sweat peat. Nice maritime notes, nut oil (the latter is quite nice and dominant). Palate: Martime peat, medicinal notes, peppery. Finish: Medium, spice and smoke. Overall: Very different for the Tobermory, yet still recognizable. Nutty nose and peaty palate.
As a regular drinker of the peatier Islay Malts like Ardbeg, I find this a more subtle but still pleasantly smokey experience. Very drinkable with a soft mouth feel. Starts malty with hints of oak and then the oak starts to smoke on you! Lovely peppery finish with a faint citrus zest somewhere in the background.
I'd not even heard of this till this month. But what an enjoyable whisky, and what remarkable value. Pleasantly dry and satisfying, not at all bland.
Terrific malt. High concentration of fruit with the smoke and peat coming late. Very complex for its age. A lipstick waxiness hides teh character for the first few seconds. Mouth coating when combined with food. This malt loves swiss cheese. A partnership made in heaven. I collect older whiskys and this one has made it to my every day drinking bin.
Ghastly, went down the sink
