Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish - 46.3%
In 1797 John Sinclair, an innovative kelp merchant, applied for a lease of land known as Ledaig – pronounced ‘letch-ick’ – which means ‘safe haven’. After Sinclair’s first application was rejected, he persevered, remained true to his original vision and, a year later, the distillery was established.
The Sinclair Series pays homage to our Founder, John Sinclair, with a number of delicious whiskies handcrafted at our distillery. This Ledaig Rioja Finish is the first release in this series.
Made with heavily peated barley before being matured in ex-bourbon casks, and finished in hand-selected Spanish Rioja casks, this single malt contains powerful flavours of smoke, spice, grape and sweet berries, with a lingering saltiness.
The colour is vibrant and sings of rich, red Rioja, giving it a beautiful vibrant hue.
It’s the very definition of our distillery’s expressive nature.
Colour: Ruby Red
Nose: Notes of Turkish delight and rose petals balanced with candied fruits and grapes followed by rich leather and a beautiful peppery spice. A hint of chocolate comes through at the back.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel packed full of almonds, barley and sweet malt with notes of peppery Ledaig, which give way to black raspberries, sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice and hints of freshly cut grass.
Finish: Lingering smoky finish with red fruit and sea spray.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Rich henna with a vibrant orange hue, forms a thin line which slowly beads before falling a slow, oily legs.
Nose: Sweet smoke, maritime salt, glazed barbecue meats, red grapes, fresh plums, rose petals and a little green pepper spice.
Palate: Strawberries with balsamic vinegar, raspberries coulis, chocolate covered almonds, vanilla pods and cinnamon.
Finish: Sweet barbecue smoke comes to the fore as the vanilla and red fruits gradually fade.
Summary: In addition to imparting the incredible colour, the Rioja cask influence marries beautifully with the Ledaig spirit and brings a lot of fruit and sweetness to the mix. It results in an incredibly drinkable, well balanced, whisky which will appeal to a wide audience.
Currently available below £35 this is a whisky which punches well above its price point. I truly hope this continues to be part of the core Ledaig range, and remains at a price which provides great value for money.
The Rioja Cask Finish is the first in the Sinclair Series, whatever comes next has a lot to live up to.
If you would like more information on this whisky, the distillery, or any of the other Tobermory whiskies, please follow the link to the company website.
