Ledaig 7Y-2009/2016 Whisky Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Distilled at the Tobermory Distillery, Isle of Mull, Scotland.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation Date: April 6th, 2009.
Bottling Date: October 5th, 2016.
Age Statement: 7 years old.
Maturation: Matured in a hogshead cask made from ex-American oak bourbon barrels.
Color: Light, indicating minimal cask influence due to its refill nature.
Clarity: Uncolored and un-chill filtered, preserving its natural appearance.
Bottle Design: Packaged by Signatory Vintage, an independent bottler, with specific cask information (No. 700,313) detailed on the label.

Overall Character: Very smoky, with a hefty smoky aroma dominating the sensory experience.
Balance of Flavors: The smokiness overshadows other flavors, with some light fruitiness and late-appearing vanilla notes.
Unique Characteristics: Exceptionally high phenol content estimated at around 50 ppm, contributing to its intense smokiness.
Comparison: Comparable to a young Islay malt in terms of smokiness and flavor profile.

Production Insights: The Tobermory Distillery produces both peated (Ledaig) and unpeated (Tobermory) whiskies on the same equipment, requiring thorough cleaning to switch between styles. This Ledaig expression represents the distillery's peated style.
Cask Management: The whisky's maturation is managed by Signatory Vintage, highlighting the role of independent bottlers in creating unique expressions.

Isle of Mull: The distillery's location on the Isle of Mull, not commonly visited by the reviewer, adds a layer of exclusivity and intrigue to the whisky.
Distillery Ownership: Changes in the distillery's ownership and its impact on standard bottlings are noted, though this expression remains distinct due to its independent bottling.

"This one is a typical representative of a smoky young island malt." - Horst Luening, indicating its standout feature as a heavily peated whisky.
"The impression is just smoke." - Emphasizing the dominant smoky character over other flavors.

Ledaig 7Y-2009/2016 is a heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky from the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, matured in a hogshead cask and bottled by Signatory Vintage.
It features an intense smoky flavor profile with minimal influence from the cask, resulting in light fruitiness and late-emerging vanilla notes.
The whisky's production and maturation process, along with its cultural and geographical context, contribute to its unique identity.
The dominant smoky character makes it comparable to young Islay malts, appealing to enthusiasts of heavily peated whiskies.

Peat Lovers: Individuals with a preference for heavily peated whiskies will find the Ledaig 7Y-2009/2016 particularly enjoyable.
Adventurous Drinkers: Those interested in exploring the distinct characteristics of island malts beyond the well-known Islay expressions.
Independent Bottling Enthusiasts: Whisky fans who appreciate the unique offerings and perspectives provided by independent bottlers.