Ledaig
The Ledaig distillery has been shuttered a handful of times across its 225 year history resulting in about half a century of silent years. It wasn't until 2007, under the ownership of Burns Stewart Distillers that Ledaig and its unpeated sibling Tobermory found their present form.
I'm a fan of IB Ledaig especially when they get at yogurt-y, strawberry notes I've picked up on in some well-aged sherried bottlings.
2007 Signatory Ledaig 12 yr. (Refill Sherry Butt) - 59.8%
Notes: Smoked lemons. Bacon. Simple, rich nose. Palate is rich and creamy up front. Then the proof shows, and it dries out. Toffee into lemon and smoked fish and minerality. Smoke softens in the short finish.
A little water slightly lengthens the experience without overly altering notes - swims well.
Pour This For: There's some crossover here for Fijan and St. Lucian rum fans.
Score: 7 (Highly Recommended) Bold and straightforward. Lacking some complexity. Structure is compacted. Finish is short. Still, I find this very enjoyable.
1997 Chieftain's Ledaig 21yr. (Butt) -59.4%
Notes:Strawberries. Yogurt - not the first time this combo has shown on the nose for me with Ledaig. Cured ham. Structure is quick and high with some initial grounding from caramel and lactic notes. Smoke, yogurt, and tart fruits quickly shoot high. Maybe it needs some water.
Water flattened the nose, killing the higher volitals and bringing forward the heavier notes. Now it's woody and farmy. Palate has slowed, much more integrated. Weight is still lighter. More citrus now - toffee, lemon, sharp smoke - some absinthe/anise sneaks in. After time, the strawberries and yogurt return.
Pour This For: Lagavulin stalwarts looking to branch out.
Score: 6 (Solid) The structure is light, but it reads thin to me and isn't supported by the complexity you'd hope for at this age. Still, there's some admirable clarity to the notes, and the funky, farmy, yogurt notes are something I always enjoy in Ledaig bottlings.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour