Chorlton Whisky Ledaig 12
Chorlton whisky is an independent bottler, based in Manchester, UK. Although relatively new on the scene, they have rapidly built up an enviable reputation for quality whisky at affordable prices. Their bottles are also immediately recognisable due to the strikingly beautiful labels derived from medieval and early modern manuscript illustrations.
This particular bottling is a 12 year old Ledaig, the smoky side of Tobermory Distillery. Bottled at a cask strength of 55.5% from a refill hogshead, this is one of only 311 bottles produced.
From Chorlton Whisky
12yo Ledaig, which has all the coastal smoky goodness you'd expect, but with a lean towards an elegant medicinal quality and a touch of red apple sweetness.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Pale straw colour, forms a thin line which beads before gradually falling as slow, thin legs.
Nose: Dry ashy smoke, vanilla, hints of seafood, sweet orchard fruit.
Palate: Bonfire smoke, vanilla, caramel, seafood cooked on the barbecue, crisp red apple, wisps of freshly laid tarmac, coastal salt, slightly drying. Addition of a little water adds a creamy, milk chocolate note.
Finish: Medium in length, soft, lingering ashy smoke, fruity sweetness and a gradual build up of peppery spice.
Summary: This is a classic Ledaig, with every note you would expect and hope for. The smoke is typically dry and ashy with a tarry, medicinal phenolic element just lurking in the background. Addition of a little water lessens the heat and brings out further notes of milk chocolate whilst also accentuating the smokiness.
My first thoughts on how to describe this were ‘Ledaig 10 on steroids’, but that would tend to imply it’s a bruiser of a whisky when in reality it manages to combine that bonfire smoke, tar, seafood and fruitiness and still retain an air of elegance. It’s a truly delightful whisky and with only 311 bottles available I’m just glad I bought a second as back up.
If you would like more information on this whisky, the distillery or any of the other Tobermory whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
