Ledaig 2005 7 YO Cask #0057

Ledaig 2005 7 YO Cask #0057, 46 %

Here is another single cask release from independent bottler The Vintage Malt Company, under their Cooper's Choice brand. Ledaig is a peated whisky made by the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull. The distillery was actually formerly known as Ledaig, was founded in 1798, and has undergone a number of periods of closure.

This whisky was distilled in 2005, and bottled in 2013. Cask #0057, a hogshead, gave a total of 395 bottles. I do not think this Ledaig 2005 7 YO is readily available any longer. I only got a hold of a sample through a blind swapping scheme I have with a friend.

Nose (22/25): This Ledaig leads with a strong, peaty smoke. There are sweet apples, vanilla ice cream, honey and heather. There is also a mineral touch to it that makes me think of warm asphalt and ocean air during summer.

Taste (21/25): On the palate the whisky is smooth and oily. It leads with some sweet apple crumble, and pears. Vanilla and peat. Again there is a salty, salty sea breeze. Warming.

Finish (22/25): Quite long and sweet. A bit of licorice comes through, as well as a very slight hint of pine needles.

Balance (22/25): A well-balanced Ledaig from  The Vintage Malt Company. It is fairly heavily peated with a warming sweetness. The relatively young age lets the fruity esters shine through and balance the peat rather than wear the edge off it.

Score (87/100)

Sláinte! - Kjell Ove