Whisky-Doris released a cask of Ledaig 2001 (peated Tobermory) and as they often do, there’s a high strength version (60,6%) and a low strength version (well low strength… 50,5%). According to Doris, it’s probably from a refill sherry butt.

Ledaig 9 yo 2001 (50,5%, Whisky-Doris 2011, sherry butt, 212 btl.)

Nose: big peat, exhaust fumes and smoked meat. Unique hints of pimentón (smoked paprika powder, commonly used in Spain to prepare Pulpo a la Gallega). Then big coastal notes (cod-liver oil, smoked fish, iodine) and hints of rubber boots. Quite farmy as well: wet earth, a little yeast. Underneath a nice layer of dried fruits and burnt sugar from the sherry. Fresh lemon and ginger. Some Mexican chocolate with spices. High complexity considering the age. Mouth: oily mouth-feel, with earthy peat but also a honey coating. Lemon. Coastal notes again. Tar. Less complex now, but very clean. Finish: very long, peaty and slightly chocolaty with a salty note.

A well-made peat bomb, with plenty of peat and coastalness but also quite rounded thanks to the sweeter sherry notes. This version costs € 42. The higher strength version is € 48.

Score: 87/100

The 60,6% version starts more alcoholic and is slightly more closed. It takes more time to open up, but after a while they’re quite similar. I would suggest the 50,5% version as it has more than enough power and shows more of its flavours without the need to fiddle with water.