"Classic farmy Ledaig with the sherry prominently on the background, and I love the label, but I might prefer my Ledaigs without any sherry"
(Photo from Whiskybase)
Last september saw the 10th version of The Whisky Show organised by The Whisky Exchange with more 600 whiskies and a guest area dedicated to rum. Next to commercial festivities a range of special bottlings was released, which among others included this 12-year-old Ledaig. The futuristic labels represent one of the themes of this year’s edition, which is the present and future of whisky. I think that there might have been some interesting discussions, but since I wasn’t there I cannot elaborate any further on that part. Instead let us focus on the contents of this festive edition.
Nose
A balanced combo of fresh earth, roasted marshmallows, office coffee and mocha. The peat lays low, while the alcohol is takes the foreground. I think we might need some water to unravel the complexity of this dram. Indeed, water brings toffee, and the expected peat influences including ashes, coal dust and graphene. Also cola cubs, chestnut wood, chestnut paste, orange zest, and the usual Ledaig-y farm scents. Maybe also some coastal notes. A nice nose, but I have nosed better Ledaigs, so to say.
Taste
Wow, this shows its teeth with much more bonfires, ashes, wet stones and farmy notes. This needs water to calm it down. With water, still acrid, woody, ashy and some drops of lemon juice, again chestnut paste and chestnut wood, orange sweets, lime juice and earl grey. Much better complexity and in particular friendlier for my tongues! Some sea salt, beach sand, bonfires, mud, cola cubs, leather jackets (never licked them though) and more mud. I think I liked the diluted palate the most, clearly Ledaig. The finish is drying.
Overall
Not sure what to think about this. It is good with enough Ledaig characteristics when you dilute it, but I still think it misses some depth. Probably the sherry might conceal some of those subtleties. Anyway, I know sherry butts are popular, but I think I still like my Ledaigs without so far. Still classic Ledaig though.
- Review 2019-027
- Single malt
- Ledaig
- The Whisky Exchange
- 12 years old
- Bottled 2018
- Sherry butt
- Natural colour
- Non-chill filtered
- 58.4
- 636 bottles
- ±90
- Not available anymore
- Whiskybase #120263
What others say
Big thanks to for sharing the sample!
Scores
• these are my personal views, so do not take them too seriously… nothing beats tasting these for yourself •
- Chestnut paste
- Cola cubs
- Mud