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 am switching to Ledaig from Lagavulin, if I can find it in NC.
This is a very good scotch. But if you want something that goes that extra mile go with Talisker 10. However, that doesn't mean this shouldn't have a place in your collection. Its well balanced, mild, and easy to drink. Its a slightly beefed up Ardmore Legacy. Very good, just not quite great.
This is a lovely dram, much more palatable than the Ledaig I used to buy in Tobermory twenty-odd years ago. Not as bold as some of the Islay heavy hitters, but a well balanced, medium-bodied peaty island whisky. What's not to love?
Even if you have trouble pronouncing this peated masterpiece by Tobermory, don't forget to savor every drop. It is in the 4 out 5 range of smokey and peaty, just the right amount in my book. It wont overwhelm like Laphroiag or Ardbeg will, its just like Goldy Locks' porridge, just right! This is my go to when Im looking to be bold but not over the top.
Ledaig collects all the jars of soaking paint brushes from local DIY fanatics, colours the liquid with some nice brown creosote and bottles it.
