Ledaig 10yo (46.3%, OB, 2010)

The new presentation for the Isle of Mull distillery Tobermory; Ledaig is their peated single malt is called now bottled at 46.3% and “un-chillfiltered”. The higher bottling strength and the lack of chill filtration are significant move in the right direction and demonstrated that they have been listening to their customers.

The nose is indeed ‘wonderfully peated’ as the label states; coal smoke, distant creosote train ties and ocean washed beaches (not low tide) along with some really good spice in the back ground. Very nice and a little different from Islay peat smoke, a little more akin to some of the better peated whiskies from Speyside. A late arrival of a little citrus adds to the whole collection of aromas and nicely ties them together. The taste is strong, warming and very peated; very different from Islay peat, it is consistent in this regard. There is also some malt (heavily toasted), lots of dark chocolate and lemon citrus (think of lemon zest). The malt grows in stature and the whole package is very good. The finish is of toast, malt and then the peat smoke with the lemon taking a back seat to the other characteristics. It is a long finish and it is good; some late surfacing of the malt in lock step with the peat smoke.

It’s really good. A small amount of shock at the dramatic change from previous bottlings of Ledaig. No complaints and lots to be happy about. Well done!

£29

Score 84 points

Visit Tobermory Distillery at http://www.tobermorymalt.com/