Ledaig 20 Moscatel Finish

We conclude Ledaig week with an older bottling, acquired directly from the distillery. This 20-year-old spent its final three years in a Moscatel sherry cask, following maturation in what the distillery states were refill whisky casks, likely ex-bourbon. Moscatel, being on the sweeter side of sherry, risked making this too cloying. I'm also wary of aged spirits finished in sweet wine or sherry casks, as it can feel like putting lipstick on a pig. Nevertheless, this turned out beautifully. The aroma presents lemon, heather, and cracked pepper. On the palate, it's rich with flavors of lemon candy and dark maple syrup, enveloped by a peat that intensifies the spice to the edge before receding, unlike other less balanced samples from this week. The finish is lengthy and viscous, featuring more lemon, a pleasant hint of tamarind tartness, and a sprinkle of pepper. It's enjoyable neat, but adding water enhances the aroma and accentuates the sweetness and finish length, though it slightly diminishes the mouthfeel. A creamy texture also emerges. Overall, it strongly resembles some of the sherry-finished Laphroaig Cairdeas expressions. Comparing it to last year's Cairdeas Fino cask edition revealed the Ledaig's greater complexity. While not worth double the price of the Cairdeas, it's a more significant improvement over that fine Laphroaig than anticipated. This was likely my favorite of the week, slightly edging out the 10 and 19-year-old expressions. I'm eager to revisit the Isle of Mull once I have the time and focus to work through my remaining Tobermory samples.