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.
I'm struck by how similar the style is to Caol Ila 12 y.o., but at a younger age. Apple smoke, generally - with a few drops of water to allow it to open up - and open the bottle for air a day or two before you sample it. The day I brought it home, it was slightly disappointing. 2 days later - I loved it! As I said - delicious!
What a difference between this and the old style. This is 46% and unchillfiltered which probably explains some of it but this has a good oily body, much more peat and smoke, some medicinal notes but finishing on pepper and salt. Water creates a bit more sweetness but doesn't really diminish the mouth-feel.
