Reviews of scotch and world whiskies by a history professor, his wife, bird, and three cats.

Ledaig 10 Year

Ledaig 10 Year

Whisky: Ledaig 10 Year

Country/Region: Scotland/Islands

ABV: 46.3%

Cask: Oak

Age: 10 Years


Nose: Maritime and industrial, salt, rust, and tar; hints of a creamier character with smoked cheese, camphor, and burning herbs, subtle mineral-sea shell quality, hints of orange rind.

Palate: Medium-bodied, balanced mouthfeel, a touch oily and buttery, maritime brine, citrus rind, orange, burning sage and medicinal herbs, heather, black pepper, coastal bonfire with slightly acrid hints of tar.

Finish: Medium-length with brine, charred driftwood, and herbs.


Score: 5 (74)

Mental Image: Seaside Olive Pitting Factory

Narrative & Notes: It has been a while since I have revisited the classic Ledaig 10— so it felt like it was time to return once again. I found this to be a touch more acrid and less funky than I remembered; blind I might have thought this was a peated Bunnahabhain.  Flavors can drift between batches and our memories can play tricks on us, but this was still perfectly enjoyable, even if it felt a bit different.

The Ledaig 10 is one of my mainstays when I am at a bar with a decent, but not crazy, whisky selection (or maybe dubious pricing), and I really want a whisky.  Typically, in that scenario, I go with wine or beer, but when you want a whisky, the Ledaig 10 scratches that peaty-itch with a more balanced mouthfeel and presentation of flavors than some equivalent malts. While I would rarely offer this as an introduction to peat for someone new to the category, it is an ideal stop once one starts exploring.

Ledaig 13 Year (2005), The Whisky Exchange Cask 900174

Ledaig 13 Year (2005), The Whisky Exchange Cask 900174

Glenburgie 28 Year (1995), Signatory Vintage Cask 6673 for Spec's

Glenburgie 28 Year (1995), Signatory Vintage Cask 6673 for Spec's