Another Ledaig, distilled in 2005 this time so only 4 years old. The colour already tells you that it’s different from yesterday’s Ledaig 2001/2010 by The Nectar of the Daily Drams – this one was matured in a sherry cask.

There has been some debate about the high scores of these Ledaigs on Whiskyfun. As the price was reasonable, they sold out immediately (as often the case). Many people seem to forget our tastes are all different, so don’t get carried away and please, never trust reviewers (wink).

Ledaig 4 yo 2005 (62,7%, Berry Bros & Rudd 2010, sherry butt #900008)

Nose: a typical young marriage of heavy peat and heavy sherry. Orangettes (orange filled chocolate), some tobacco. Whiffs of gouache. Lots of smoke and burnt biscuits rather than the plain earthy peat from yesterday’s Ledaig. Some briney notes. Sweet hints of red fruit marmalade and dark syrup. Some ginger. Water highlights soot, canvas fabric and a blackberry fruitiness. Mouth: again very peaty, this time with a bigger spicy component (pepper and ginger). Hints of toffee. Burnt pieces of meat. Coffee and bitter chocolate in the end. Water makes it slightly mentholated and even more sooty. Finish: long, smoky with a sweet edge.

Quite an aggressive malt – all of its dials are turned to maximum power. Indeed quite similar to the rapidly matured Port Charlottes of last year. Still not completely my taste (I’m quite a wuss you know…) but the sherry certainly adds depth and width compared to yesterday’s Ledaig. Around € 45.

Score: 86/100