"A rather odd Ledaig with the wine cask influence subduing the expected distillery's characteristic potency"
(Photo from Whiskybase)
Dun Bheag (however you pronounce it) is one of the sub-brands released by independent bottling company Ian MacLeod. The company was founded by Leonard J Russell Senior more than 80 years ago. Currently they own two distilleries (Glengoyne and Tamdhu), multiple brands of blended whisky (Isle of Skye, Smokehead, The Six Isles, Sheep Dip, Pig’s Nose), independently bottled brands (Chieftain’s, Dun Bheag and As We Get It), and are the 10th overall whisky company in the world. So you might have tasted something from them at one time or another. The Dun Bheag series of small batch bottlings is not one of their most promoted labels, but it is fairly known among fans of Scottish whisky. As many other independent bottlers, they have also released an independent version of Ledaig, but they have chosen to finish it in casks that formerly held red Alexe-Corton wine. This originates from the Burgundy region in France and is made mainly from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes giving it fruity and rich palate.
Nose
Sweet peat, some ashes, pinch of salt, very herbal, green. At first I even doubt if this is an Islay malt. Hint of mustard and smoked herbal tea. Toast, burned pancake and a hint of maple sirup (but that might be my imagination).
Taste
First a complete wave of salmiak. Then salty stones, citrus fruits, slightly oily, hint of olives, and an even fainter hint of sweet citrus fruits. I must say that the palate differs somewhat from the nose. I also find honey, a hint of vanilla, thyme, aniseed and leather. Wet tobacco, more salt and peat.
Overall
It is an interesting dram, this one. I had mistaken it for a Lagavulin, due to its sweetness, but that was really the wine talking. The wine influence is nicely integrated, but it also subdues the character of the spirit. Rather unfortunate, since young Ledaig can be really good and potent. However, others found this really nice.
- Review 2020-034
- Single malt
- Tobermory Distillery
- Ian MacLeod
- Distilled in 2007
- Bottled in 2018
- Aloxe-Corton Wine Cask Finish
- Natural colour
- Non chill-filtered
- 46
- 798 bottles
- ±60-70
- Still available
- Whiskybase #112788
What others say
This sample was part of organised by Whisky4all!
Scores
• these are my personal views, so do not take them too seriously… nothing beats tasting these for yourself •
- Sweet peat
- Herbs
- Salmiak