Ledaig
18 Years Old
- 46.3
- 18 Years Old
- 70cl
- Taste: 4
- Islands
Ledaig is made at Tobermory Distillery, situated in a colourful and quaint town on the Isle of Mull. Originally founded in 1798 by John Sinclair, it has had a chequered history - it’s always a challenge keeping a whisky distillery profitable and operating in the Isles. The distillery initially faced several challenges, including financial difficulties and the complex legal environment of the time. Tobermory closed in 1930 and remained shut...
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Ledaig is made at Tobermory Distillery, situated in a colourful and quaint town on the Isle of Mull. Originally founded in 1798 by John Sinclair, it has had a chequered history - it’s always a challenge keeping a whisky distillery profitable and operating in the Isles. The distillery initially faced several challenges, including financial difficulties and the complex legal environment of the time.
Tobermory closed in 1930 and remained shut until 1972. Upon reopening, it was renamed Ledaig, the name still used for their peaty expression. However, Ledaig lasted only until 1975. It reopened as Tobermory in 1979 but was forced to close again in 1982. The distillery reopened in 1989 and continued operating until 2017, when it closed for a major refit. It reopened in May 2019 and has remained in operation since.
Tobermory Distillery produces Ledaig using barley smoked over peat fires, capturing the style reminiscent of the whisky made when the distillery initially opened in 1798 under the name Ledaig.
The Ledaig 18 years old has spent 18 years maturing in Oak casks. Balancing sweet and peppery peat smoke flavors, this whisky gains rich complexity from its finish in ex-sherry casks. Hints of over-ripened apricots, toasted nuts and sherry.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Rich, fruity sherried smokiness, lovely balance of phenols, seaweed and light creosote, dried chilli flakes, spicy black pepper with hints of sweet oakiness.
Palate - Powerful rich, sherried, herbal smoky flavours, orange peel, coffee, a touch of sea salt, tobacco and white pepper.
Finish - Long and quite pungent with more smoke, a hint of liquorice and sea spray.
Tobermory closed in 1930 and remained shut until 1972. Upon reopening, it was renamed Ledaig, the name still used for their peaty expression. However, Ledaig lasted only until 1975. It reopened as Tobermory in 1979 but was forced to close again in 1982. The distillery reopened in 1989 and continued operating until 2017, when it closed for a major refit. It reopened in May 2019 and has remained in operation since.
Tobermory Distillery produces Ledaig using barley smoked over peat fires, capturing the style reminiscent of the whisky made when the distillery initially opened in 1798 under the name Ledaig.
The Ledaig 18 years old has spent 18 years maturing in Oak casks. Balancing sweet and peppery peat smoke flavors, this whisky gains rich complexity from its finish in ex-sherry casks. Hints of over-ripened apricots, toasted nuts and sherry.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Rich, fruity sherried smokiness, lovely balance of phenols, seaweed and light creosote, dried chilli flakes, spicy black pepper with hints of sweet oakiness.
Palate - Powerful rich, sherried, herbal smoky flavours, orange peel, coffee, a touch of sea salt, tobacco and white pepper.
Finish - Long and quite pungent with more smoke, a hint of liquorice and sea spray.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig