It’s been an exceptional warm and sunny summer over here in the Netherlands. And during heatwave after heatwave, peat just didn’t do the trick for me. But as it’s still my favourite category, I found myself looking forward to the fall. So, on this first grey overcast day in a long while, I thought it high time to pull out one of my favourites from the category: Ledaig 10!
Tasting Notes: Ledaig 10
Stats:
ABV: 46,3% (92,6 proof)
Age: 10 years old
Distillery: Tobermory Distillery
Owned by: Burn Stewart Distillers
Category: Single Malt Scotch Islay Whisky
Awards: WWA Category Winner (2020), WWA Winner (2015), WWA Gold (2016), SFWSC Double Gold (2013), The Scotch Whisky Masters (2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019), IWSC Silver Outstanding (2013, 2014, 2017), International Spirits Challenge Gold (2020), International Spirits Challenge Silver (2019)
Chill Filtered: No
Natural Colour: Yes
Setting:
Today the weekend set in early. While following a course for work I found out the meeting didn’t last till three like I expected, but instead was all wrapped up at one o’clock. So, I found myself with a little extra time and decided to enjoy a wee dram of whisky. All in all, it felt like the perfect mindset to pen down some tasting notes.
Nose:
Aah peat, there you are. I’ve missed you old friend. Immediately I feel as if I stepped onto a moor, in the earliest hours of the day. While the morning dew is still settling down. After letting my nose adjust a little to the peat, I start to find some sweetness as well. Honey and cloves intermingle in a pleasant way. A drop of water brings moss forward and even at times warn you of some bogs along the way.
Palate:
There’s plenty of flavours fighting for a place on your palate in this dram. There’s red pepper, salt liquorice, lemon, honey, and even a cheeky smoked fish, all trying to get your attention. Indeed this is not a subtle dram, nor would I call it very balanced. It is complex, however, and whichever way you turn you’ll find something else. It feels like being disoriented and lost in the fog. Some might say that sounds bad, to which I reply: It’s an adventure! Here the drop of water makes the dram seem sweeter and a bit less out of control. I like it better out of control…
Finish:
The finish has a medium length. The liquorice and a wedge of lemon remain, while the pepper slowly wears off. The finish is way less wild and uncontrolled as the palate. Perhaps the fact that it’s more than balanced than the palate will suit some better, but I find myself wishing the adventure lasted a bit longer. The drop of water gives the finish a bitter flourish, making it a tad more complex.
Verdict:
The stats on this dram are great. Having natural colour and being unchillfiltered always score points in my book. If you’re looking to dive headfirst into peat, the age on this dram is the right one as well. I think peat can be wonderful when it’s aged longer, but sometimes I just want that punch to the face. And I always find this Ledaig 10 more than willing to deliver. I like the chaos, but I must admit it can be somewhat incoherent. If you like peat and you’re looking to explore, giving Ledaig 10 a try is something I’d wholeheartedly recommend. It’s frequently available under 40 euro’s and in my opinion well worth it’s price tag.
Rating:
86/100
Value:
B+
Click here to learn more about how I come up with my tasting notes and how I determine rating and value.
