Scotland ~ 46.3% ~ $88 ~
Islands are very important to Scotland, making up a third of the country’s landmass. From a whisky perspective, we usually hear about Islay and maybe Orkney or Arran if you’re curious. What we don’t often hear about is the Inner Hebrides island Mull where the glorious Ledaig (pronounced letch-ick, laycheck, la-chayk, or la-chik) is created at the island’s lone whisky distillery. Named after the local water source and meaning “safe haven” in Gaelic, this heavily peated whisky has something of a cult following due to its highly distinctive character and small production runs.
Tasting Notes
By The Master of Malt
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.
Nose
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.
Palate
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.
Finish
Medium-length and slightly smoky with spice.