#ledaig10

[whiskyaway]

Ledaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

An Underrated, Blinding Success from the Isle of Mull

When I smelled the Ledaig 10YO both in its crowded container and then in a bigger glass, I knew that Kris and I were both going to like it, a definite first on our journey! Practising balance across a small number of distinguishable aromas, the sea here is calm and welcoming, an embrace that spritzes with faint iodine like a newly shucked oyster, bacon at the seams of salty brine.

There’s a hint of something floral, and then one is clothed in delightful, warm leather, as though relaxing in a dimly lit, luxuriously comfortable den furnished with aromatic hardwood. 

The taste is just as simple, but infinitely charming. It goes down smoothly, a warm and untroubled sea diluted to perfection. Delicate salt is dusted across the tongue, transforming at the finish to a very long note of prickling pepper. With a bit of water, the flavour of nuts stutters forward, and then slight rubber extends into abiding smoke, folds and unfolds on the tongue even minutes after I’ve swallowed. There is no confusion to this drink, only quiet confidence that reassures and then sweetens as its memory lingers well after I’ve emptied my glass.

I love that it hooked us in gently, bursting at the seams with its long finish, its comparable balance, and with an unexpected richness especially for a whisky at its price range. I am so, so happy to have been introduced to it, and even happier to enjoy it with Kris over the Melbourne lockdown. I rate this an 8.5 –and would even bump it up to a 9 for sheer value –out of 10.