Ledaig is also un-chillfiltered so that's a definite plus and comes in at 43% alcohol, which is also good. A little more pricy than the Tobermory ($69.99) it cost $74.98 for a 750ml North American sized bottle. That's in an acceptable price range for a nice single malt. Not sure if caramel colour was added or not. We've got to assume it has been because it doesn't say it definitely hasn't.
I've heard that when it comes to peated malts you don't really want to go too old as it loses that wonderful peaty nose and taste after a while. I have no complaints about this young 10 year old.
The nose is of course quite intense. There's a big dose of peat and some good medicinal scents that may come across as too weird or intense for someone not used to it, but this definitely grows on you. This combines well with the slight sour smell (maybe that's the fresh smell of peat) but I'm not really that sure. Whatever it is, I like it. The most interesting smell here has to be the burnt smell that comes out strong, it's not the smokey smell that you get in other drams but a really nice burnt smell, like that of a fire pit that's burned out. All these smells combine quite well.
There's a good bite with Ledaig, spice and ginger come rushing in at first, but there's some sweet in there that develops over time and after the first sip into a caramely taste with just a hint of orange zest.
There's a very strong influence from the oak barrels in the finish with a mix of oak and wood taste and a long medicinal layer.
Really good stuff and will definitely purchase this again and in fact, already have. One of the scotches I think I will always have on hand in my collection. Excellent stuff.
