Ledaig - Signatory Vintage - 2010-2017 - 46%
Photo taken somewhere in Italy
It's obvious that releasing young malts is getting more and more fashionable nowadays (of course not due to commercial reasons, it's just to proof young malts can be as good as old ones. Okay, okay cynicism off). A big advantage of those youngsters: They can lead you to the distillery's signature (if it wasn't killed by ultra active casks of course). Not forgetting to mention, that we adore the recent development of Tobermory's distilling quality.
Nose
Honey infused barbecue sauce at the first sniff. Then we get a hint of fresh cut grass, green apples and as if we evoked it: the distinctive Ledaig rubber note. It's simple, but the continuous play and seesaw between smoke, honey, apples and rubber definitely make fun.
Palate
Strong peat with fresh citric fruits like lemons and grapefruits. Light bodied apples again. The Ledaig peat note is so different than most Islay peaters. After a while the lemons turn into a tasty lemon cake. The youth is recognizable by a slight sharpness, while the texture is creamy.
Finish
Medium, leaving a slight, citric astringency and bitterness in the front of the mouth.
Rating
A very pleasant and minimalistic, we would almost say puristic Single Malt from the Isles, which is pretty perfect for discovering a distillery's signature for a bargain. Very suitable for an easy evening, while sitting together with friends.
