Ledaig 2009 The Art of Maturation Benchmark Collection Itinéraires 16 yo

 

 

 

50,4°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

1st Fill Amontillado Octave Sherry Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Murray McDavid

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

Part of the Collection Itinéraires, this Ledaig has been aged in Amontillado sherry casks, a fairly dry sherry. Only 81 bottles have been produced, which is very few, and they are reserved for the French market.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is fruity and airy, coastal and cereal-like. Candied lemon, pomegranate and redcurrants, ripe pears overwhelmed by medicinal and salty peat, full of sea spray and seaweed. Evanescent iodine, and in the background, muesli and almond milk, beeswax. On the palate, a strong dose of peat at first, then quartz, salt, and gradually, pastry cream, citrus coulis, passion fruit. Discreet spices. Quite a long finish, almost explosive, liquorice, blond tobacco, ash and seaweed, unrefined sea salt. Mussels and rice powder.

 

In Short, 

Despite the strong influence of sherry, this Ledaig retains its character, softened only slightly by a parade of ripe, sometimes candied fruits. There is a beautiful balance and variety of flavours between the sweetness of the fruit and the mineral roughness. This will appeal to any self-respecting fan of the distillery, without being a masterpiece. It is neither quite as assertive nor as subtle as that. But it is still an enjoyable experience. The price is quite high, as evidenced by the fact that it is not yet sold out despite the small number of bottles available. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

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