Ledaig 1996 Sherry Cask Finish

I've had Ledaig before; I enjoyed one expression significantly (an independent bottling from Claxton's) but disliked another (an 18-year-old). However, after recently experiencing the Tobermory 12-year-old, which pleasantly surprised me, I decided to revisit its heavily peated version. The nose immediately meets expectations. It's a delicious combination of peat and sherry, with abundant salt and a hint of fresh rubber. From the aroma alone, it could easily be mistaken for an Islay whisky, though it lacks the distinct seawater character. (It evokes Bowmore.) There's a faint scent of decaying hay in the background, which is somewhat unappealing. The palate presents dry sand and minerals; it's oily, intensely peaty, with notes of strawberry compote, ample vanilla, and then burnt sugar syrup. The finish is short and somewhat uninspired. It's a good whisky. It boldly demonstrates Tobermory's capacity to produce excellent peated spirits that can hold their own against others in the same category and price range. Will I purchase it again? No. Although it resembles peated sherry Islay whiskies, the Uigeadail significantly surpasses it in every aspect. (Damn you, Uigeadail – why must you be so exceptional?)

The Ledaig flame once burned brightly for me, but I'm not a big fan anymore. The nose is very acetone-like, which carries over to the palate with a bitter, quite acidic peat with a metallic edge. The sherry cask influence is like a rider who has been thrown but still has a foot in the stirrup, being dragged along as the horse runs wild – essentially, it's not in control at all. It does, however, contribute a pleasant Christmas cake flavor. I initially thought this was a style that people either loved or hated, but I find myself both disliking the concept it presents and still drinking it; its sheer force of character is definitely captivating.