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.
Wit a dram, beautifully balanced full of rich coastal flavour, plenty body and an amazing smoky sweet finish that lasts for several glorious minutes, hats off
Much nicer than Talisker in my opinion and a very good reason to return to Mull one day.
What a pleasant surprise from the Isle of Mull. I´m a fan of Islay whiskies and just wanted to try something new. In a blind test – I´m absolutely sure – without the overall sweetness, I would guess that this is some high-end Laphroaig! There´s even that ashy aftertaste of Laphroaig in it. At first you should give it a short rest in a glass, water isn´t necessary, I didn´t even try it. Then, in the nose, it´s very much like Ardbeg 10. But after tasting it, it´s far from Ardbeg 10. More balanced, more stable, more lively. Still, I would say that Ledaig 1o isn´t the most complex whisky in the world, but... after that familiar peaty, smoky tar and seaweed – that´s so characteristic to Islay – there´s some absolutely lovely salty and peppery tones in it. Also some entry level Talisker wax, but much, much more in the context. This whisky is very far from the cripple entry level versions of Talisker and Bowmore – even though it´s very sweet. Sweetness dominates a little bit, but doesn´t cover too much in it. Really, outstanding at it´s price. I`ve never ever tasted anything better at the price, highly recommended. Five stars because of the price/quality ratio.
If you’re man (or woman) enough to cope with a proper, powerful whisky which improves with a drop of water, you’ll likely enjoy this. If, on the other hand, your preference is the lightly floral, gentle and slightly effeminate whiskies from the Spey, this is not for you. Absolutely delicious, you serve it by the slice.
It was one of 3 miniatures in a Christmas gift pack. I’d never heard of it. A very nice drink. Much stronger than most whiskies I drink. A pleasant peaty taste. I immediately googled to see where I could buy it . Thanks to whoever it was who bought the gift. Well thought out!
