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

Country/Region: Scotland/Islands

ABV: 57.4%

Cask: Sherry Butt

Age: 13 Years (Distilled 2005, Bottled 2019)

Nose: Burning wood and fish smoking sheds along the shoreline; maritime smoke and salt with sweet burning wood; hints of rubber and medicinal herbs with camphor and incense.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily and balanced, maritime brine, smoke, meat, subtle fruit, brown sugar, hints of rubber and smoked fish, pepper and herbal camphor at the end.

Finish: Medium to long with subtle salt, smoke, and fruit.

Score: 8 (87)

Mental Image: Ritual to Awaken the Salmon God

Narrative & Notes: A delightfully vivid image emerged from the aroma— a fish-smoking shed sitting on a stony shore as a salty sea breeze blew in on a cloudy day. Discarded tires and buoys sat near the shed with bits of dried kelp and drying fish as a monk stumbled down the rocky path with incense wafting outside a hanging burner. Medium-bodied and oily on the palate with a balanced and well-rounded set of maritime brine, sweet smoke, rich meat, and subtle fruit. Salty tidal ponds played with tar, smoked fish, brown sugar, and burning wood— a hidden cove perhaps with drying seaweed, old buoys, and a found bottle of plum wine.  Sweet smoked octopus and salted plums lingered toward the end with a touch of pepper and tingling camphor.  The finish was medium to long with subtle salt, smoke, and fruit.

I cannot think of another Ledaig with which I immediately thought, “Wow, this is smooth.” This was no wimp or tepid malt; there was plenty of character, but I was surprised at just how refined and elegant it felt without any sharp edges or youthful spirit. For a thirteen-year-old malt, it was remarkably well-balanced and integrated.

Overall, a maritime melody and absolute delight— meaty, fruity, smokey, and touched with just a bit of rubbery or shoreline funk. The wife was a big fan as well, though she did not find it very characteristically Ledaig.

Image Credit: The Whisky Exchange