Whisky: Ledaig 11 Year (2007), Chieftain’s Cask 700611

Country/Region: Scotland/Islands

ABV: 58.1%

Cask: Butt

Age: 11 Year (Distilled June 2007, Bottled Sept. 2018)

Nose: Acrid smoke, brine, vanilla, cream, menthol, charred lemon, oil paints.

Palate: Medium-bodied, dirty, acrid, rust, coal dust, match heads, brine, charred lemon, subtle medicinal herbs, menthol and horehound, lingering charcoal and cocoa powder at the end.

Finish: Medium-length with brine, soot, and hints of charred lemon.

Score: 6-7

Mental Image: Wreck of the Ocean Queen

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was immediately acrid and briny, as if standing next to an old steamship broiler building a full head to beat the storm clouds on the horizon. Subtle, dessert-like vanilla and cream lingered in the background with menthol and charred lemon lemonade. Occasionally, the more acrid notes drifted toward earthy clay and oil paints—perhaps landscape drafting on calmer seas? The palate was medium-bodied and dirty with acrid coal smoke, soot, dust, and rust. The salt and mineral notes developed with matchstick heads, medicinal herbs— menthol and horehound primarily, charred lemon, hints of cigarette butts, and plenty of salty brine. At the end was more charcoal dust and drying cocoa powder. The finish was medium-length with brine, soot, and hints of charred lemon lemonade.

The wife labeled this Ledaig as “interesting and funky,” with notes she described as sulfurous and phosphorous, like a matchstick head. I thought that was an apt way to summarize the experience; this was a dirty Ledaig, with loads of salty maritime brine to pair up with the very industrial dirty side. I assume this was a very used butt, or maybe one not used for sherry? The cask played a minimal role in the affair, and this was a very spirit-driven experience, which is often my favorite when it comes to Ledaig.

Overall, a very tasty young Ledaig with minimal cask influence, my favorite style for the spirit. I found this a tad simple and thought that water muted some of those delicious dirty industrial notes without taming any of the sweetness, which was elevated for my taste. Besides splitting hairs, the dram was quite good, and as always, I remain a big fan of Ledaig.

Image Credit: Norfolk Wine & Spirits