Ledaig Dram Collection 8 Years 2005 Cs

Ledaig Dram Collection 8 years 2005 C&S Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Isle of Mull, Highlands, Scotland.
  • Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
  • Distillation and Maturation: Distilled at the Tobermory Distillery, matured in a hogshead cask, indicating prior use likely first for bourbon then for Scotch. The whisky is 8 years old, distilled on November 8th, 2005, and bottled on January 21st, 2014.
  • Age Statement: 8 years.
  • Color and Clarity: The whisky is uncolored, presenting a white wine-like appearance.
  • Bottle Design: The bottle is part of a limited release, being bottle number 36 out of 402.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a balance between smoky and citrus notes, with a peaty touch and sweet fruits like pears in the background.
  • Unique Characteristics: Notable for its smoky nose with underlying citrus notes, and a palate that includes spiciness, ginger, iodine, and a peaty smoke that covers the mouth.
  • Comparison: As a single cask release, this Ledaig offers a unique taste profile that may differ significantly from other casks, highlighting the distillery's character with a peaty overlay.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Production Process: The Tobermory Distillery produces two styles of whisky: the non-peated Tobermory and the peated Ledaig. This particular bottle is a peated expression, showcasing the distillery's versatility.
  • Distillery Background: Tobermory is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull and is part of the Burn Stewart conglomerate. It produces both peated and unpeated whiskies to serve different purposes, especially in blends.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Isle of Mull: The whisky's origin on the Isle of Mull, part of the Highlands, adds to its unique character. The island's only distillery, Tobermory, has a significant role in the local whisky landscape.
  • Distillery's Dual Production: The practice of producing both peated and unpeated whiskies at a single distillery is relatively unique and speaks to the distillery's strategic role within its conglomerate, particularly for blending purposes.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "This is a one-time picture of the distillery and the taste of this particular bottle will not be seen in other bottles from different independent bottlers." - Highlighting the uniqueness of single cask releases.
  • "A lot of smoke and if you smell for a few moments then citrus notes appear from below and a little sweet fruits like pears and this aromatic peat smoke on top." - Describing the complex flavor profile.

Summary

  • Ledaig Dram Collection 8 years 2005 C&S is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, aged 8 years in a hogshead cask.
  • It features a smoky and citrus flavor profile with a peaty touch, alongside sweet fruit notes.
  • The whisky is part of a limited release, emphasizing its unique character and the distillery's ability to produce both peated and unpeated expressions.
  • The cultural significance lies in its production on the Isle of Mull and the distillery's strategic role in blending within its conglomerate.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Peated Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate a strong peaty character with a balance of citrus and sweet notes.
  • Single Cask Whisky Collectors: Individuals interested in unique, limited-edition releases that showcase a distillery's specific character at a moment in time.
  • Scotch Whisky Explorers: Drinkers looking to explore the diverse profiles of Scotch whisky, particularly the variations between peated and unpeated expressions from the same distillery.