The Whisky Exchange recently picked its Whisky of the Year 2023: the Ledaig 18 Year Old. We reviewed the nice Ledaig 10 Year Old a few years ago but never its older sister, so here goes.
Ledaig 18 ages in ex-bourbon casks for 16 years. Then it is transferred to sherry casks for a 2-year finish.
Ledaig 18 yo (46,3%, OB +/- 2022, sherry cask finish)
Nose: seaweed notes and eucalyptus, followed by mineral smoke and oyster shells. Hints of brass polish. While there is a hint of berries and tobacco, the sherry is not very prominent. Then a firm sooty note comes forward, as well as a light farmy note.
Mouth: charred hints and wood spice with a certain sharp edge. Grassy notes, salt and lemons, as well as herbs and a floral top note. I expected more dark chocolate from the sherry, but it stays in the higher pitched flavours. Later some smoked bacon, liquorice and vanilla come out, as well as some asphalt.
Finish: medium, on coastal peat smoke, mint, tart citrus and salty notes.
Definitely a good whisky, with a sooty and slightly dirty smoke that gives it plenty of character. Above-average complexity as well. That said I find it slightly pungent and I somehow expected more sherry, or an even deeper profile. Available from Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange (also samples).