Ledaig 10

From the distillery website
This extraordinary and distinguished hand-crafted single malt is Tobermory Distillery’s signature smoky expression. As with all our single malts, this peated Ledaig is non-chill filtered and natural colour.  Bottled at 46.3% and produced using peated (30-40ppm) concerto barley.

Colour: Bright lemony gold.
Nose: Sweet briny smokiness with distinct island character and playful notes that hint at mild antiseptic, creosote, wax polish, mint chocolate and floral seaside aromas. Soft peat, gentle smoke.
Palate: Tantalisingly sweet, medicinal flavours infused with enticing sparks of spicy pepper and dried fruit with rich peaty smoke and a velvety vanilla and malty creaminess.
Finish: A wondrous union of sublimely spicy white pepper, the vibrant sweetness of liquorice and a kick of cloves with a exquisite lingering saltiness.

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Pale gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow thick legs.

Nose: Dry, gentle bonfire peat in abundance with hints of medicinal coal tar. Balancing the smoky peat are notes of butterscotch toffee, vanilla, dried fruit, nuts, malted barley and a little floral heather which appears with more time in the glass.

Palate: Beautiful oily mouthfeel that coats the palate. As with the nose you’re met very early with bonfire peat smoke, rich and powerful but the huge medicinal punch of some of the Islay malts is considerably toned down. Coastal brine follows, along with sweet caramel, raisins, sultanas, cinnamon and a little white pepper spice.

Finish: As the sweetness subsides, you’re left with more of that lovely peat smoke together with the coastal saltiness and a hint of spicy warmth.

Summary: I’ve been a huge fan of Ledaig since first trying this expression a number of years ago. This may be the introductory malt in their core range but it’s a fabulous example of just how good the peated Tobermory spirit can be. It’s big, characterful and rich, but at the same time extremely approachable. Despite the 46.3% abv, it’s a whisky which shines straight out of the bottle. A few drops of water bring out some of the more delicate notes, but for me this is one which is best served neat.

When most people think peated whisky they immediately think of Islay, and it’s possibly one of the main reasons Ledaig always seems to fly under the radar. In some ways that’s a good thing as it means this expression remains easily available, but it really deserves more widespread recognition. At around £40 for a bottle it’s great value for money for a 10 year old whisky of this quality. If you enjoy peated whisky, or if you want to venture into the world of peat, this is one that should be on your list.

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.