A young Ledaig 2004 bottled by Whiskybase shop as part of their Archives series (the new “First release” – the “Inaugural release” doesn’t count). Its cask number is close to the Ledaig 2005 #900008 by Berry Bros but that was a sherry cask and as we know, nowadays a “cask number” is sometimes just an arbitrary reference so let’s not count on them being sister casks.
Ledaig 7 yo 2004 (61,9%, Archives 2012, hogshead #900009, 302 btl.)
Ledaig 7 yo 2004 (61,9%, Archives 2012, hogshead #900009, 302 btl.)Nose: coastal (seaweed, cod-liver oil) and peaty with a lot of zesty lemon freshness. Some medicinal notes (iodine, menthol). Very light hints of rubber fishing boots. Very clean and simple.
Mouth: punchy yet perfectly quaffable at full strength. Very clean again. Young peat (more than on the nose), lots of lemon and plenty of pepper. Nice evolution towards slightly sweeter pear notes. Huge focus which also means limited complexity.
Finish: peaty, clean and long.
I know many people adore this kind of extra-pure Islay-esk profile. Feel free to add a few extra points if you’re a peathead – this was made for you! Well-priced: around € 35. Available from the Whiskybase shop.
Score: 84/100