The Tobermory Distillery has kicked off its Sinclair Series of bottlings with a brilliantly flavoursome Ledaig single malt, which has enjoyed a finishing period in Rioja wine casks! The series is named after the distillery's founder, John Sinclair, and this particular edition packs plenty of peaty notes alongside the ripe red fruit sweetness imparted by the Rioja casks. A sublime evening dram, this.
Red grapes, cinnamon, rose petal jelly, and a wave of coastal smoke.
Grassy peat, stewed plum, raspberry, almond, dark chocolate.
Salted caramel, cherry, clove.
Took a punt on this one as opposed to the highly rated 10 year old; I am genuinely impressed, despite its relatively high price (for a NAS). I was worried that the Islay heavily peated expression would be too much but I was pleased to discover that it is a nicely balanced malt with good arrival and development. The finish is arguably a tad short with just a whiff of an iodine trail (but not in an offensive way). Red berries, smoke and peat is clearly evident and right from the neck pour, I was fully onboard with this delightful Island whisky. If Tobermory can reach this standard with a NAS, I'll certainly continue the trail to their 10 year old. Highly recommended.
I ordered this more as a novelty because I'm a Sinclair descendant. I was actually shocked how good this single malt is. Peaty but not overwhelmingly so. And I don't know how they did it, but it is Smokey and Fruity at the same time. Had to force myself not to finish this in one sitting.
Sweet and smoky, loads of fruit. More complex than you'd expect for the price.
OK, it's pricey for a NAS whisky - no matter what barrels it has been visiting. That said, this is a rather nice dram. To me it's sweet rather than smoke heavy. Surprisingly, given the ABV, it doesn't take to water too well. Makes me wonder what a longer maturation period would bring to the party. I'll buy it again.
I'm loving the smoke and red fruit. Really.
