Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 46.3%           Age: No Age Statement           Country: Scotland

The Ledaig or Tobermory Distillery is a single malt whisky distillery located on the island of Mull in the Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland. Originally founded in 1798 by John Sinclair, under the name Ledaig (pronounced ‘lea-chick’). The distillery closed in 1837 and reopening in 1878, the distillery was acquired in 1890 by John Hopkins and Company. Today, Tobermory is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull. The distillery has quite a small annual capacity of just one million litres and runs at but three quarters of this capacity. In 1930, the distillery closed and was used as a power plant. It was not the only time Tobermory had been used for purposes other than whisky distillation; in 1982 the buildings were leased to a dairy company who used them for storing cheese. The distillery uses malted barley which is shipped from the Port Ellen maltings at the South-East of Islay, also home to a more recent experiment whereby some casks are sent for maturation on the island, these are bottled as Ledaig. The usual releases show us that when it’s bottled Tobermory then no or little peat has been used in the production but when it is released as Ledaig there is a high amount of peat content in the production and therefor a smoky whisky is created.

Ledaig (‘lea-chick’) Scots Gaelic meaning safe haven……

Wine from the famous Spanish region Rioja is characterised by intense aromas of blackberries, plums and spice…..

This bottling is taken from the Sinclair Series. The series is named after the distillery’s founder, John Sinclair who also has a pier named after him on the island. He was aptly named “John Sinclair, Merchant of Tobermory”. This whisky has been finished in Rioja wine casks which impart some wonderful ripe red fruit sweetness to the whisky. Bottled at 46.3% ABV.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet, fresh and juicy aromas, lemon citrus, violets and clove with some sea spray.

Palate: Heathery peat, stewed figs and plums, red berries, tart with dark chocolate and toasted almonds.

Finish: Dark salted caramel, Cherry Ripe bars and a hint of clove.