Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask

Nose: Coal smoke, raspberries, strawberries, rosehip tea. The characteristic Ledaig sooty smoke is quite evident, along with a mossy, earthy quality. Some subtle cinnamon and clove. Palate: Similar to the nose, coal smoke and red berries upon tasting, leading into a mildly spiced and grain-focused development with white pepper, cinnamon, and a little salt. The texture is medium and pleasantly dry, becoming drier as it progresses with a grassy, hay-like note appearing and the salty maritime quality building towards the finish. Finish: Medium. Spicy/sweet fruits and a whiff of distant charcoal that fades into a dry, briny aftertaste with a hint of the red berries. A maritime malt which, despite being technically “heavily peated” at 30-40ppm, has good harmony between its smoky and wine-influenced aspects. Ledaig doesn't exhibit bonfire or barbecue smoke notes (at least in my experience). Instead, it possesses a sooty, mineral character that resembles smelling a coal scuttle or unlit barbecue briquettes. It's a dry, almost austere nature that I've always found very appealing. Its unpeated counterpart, Tobermory, also shares this dry, mineral austerity. This NAS bottling was the inaugural release in the distillery’s Sinclair Series, named after John Sinclair who established the distillery in 1798. Initially aged in refill bourbon barrels and then finished in ex-Rioja wine casks of unknown origin, it has the youthful vibrancy and smokiness of young peated whisky, but it is certainly not harsh or immature. I'd estimate it to be around 5-8 years old. Upon initial tasting, I was reminded of the very good Ledaig 10 year old but lacking that expression’s citrus and ginger notes, and instead featuring a comforting layer of sweet red fruit. “Good”: 83/100 (3.5 stars)

My second Ledaig is a peaty surprise, and its growing reputation due to the distillery's awards and seemingly high-quality products is catching my attention. This particular expression was aged in Spanish Rioja Wine casks. It has a peach color and was bottled at 46.3% ABV. On the nose, a pleasant blend of fruitiness and peat. Notes of strawberry juice, peaches, and cigarettes. It also has herbal qualities, cherry syrup, a damp peat, and peach syrup. The palate was excellent!: It begins very salty, then reveals a red fruit syrup and pepper. Quite sulphuric; like gunpowder. A second taste became intriguing and unusual, but not unpleasant: notes of swamp, pond, and rainforest. Yes, you read that correctly. The finish is very smoky and extremely dry. Ashy and very salty, with a lovely peat character. Overall, this was a fantastic expression, predominantly peaty with some fruitiness. The peat manifests in herbal and wet characteristics, which is why this dram evoked images of ponds and rainforests. A cool experience, I would suggest it, though perhaps not for constant drinking; my rating for it is 89 out of 100.

Nose - has a dirty, leathery, grassy aroma, yet also possesses sweetness. I perceive hints of a considerable amount of peat as well, smoky. Wine and red fruits are clearly detectable. I also detect oils and chemical notes. Beautiful color. Tongue - immediately greeted by sweetness. It has a mouthfeel reminiscent of wine. It addresses aspects that the Ledaig 10 missed. Subtle hints of cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, and cloves. It coats the mouth exceptionally well! A rich mouthfeel. Added two drops of water - it seems to have become sweeter. On the tongue, it became smokier. Leaves a leathery aftertaste that I adore. It's a fantastic dram that I favor over the 10-year-old.

Appearance: Pinkish gold. Smell: Smoky hickory and pulled pork. A mist of sea salt encounters profound, heather-like peat. Taste: Initially raspberries and strawberries, quickly shifting to smooth, fatty bacon. The spice from the Rioja casks is mellowed by rich honey. Conclusion: Outstanding. Delightful and potent. Sweet peat. With Water: The aroma reveals more red wine notes, while the taste loses some sweetness for more dryness and smoke. The conclusion remains exceptional! Deep and robust.

Nose: Salty/briny, smoke, ash, char, peat, floral/rose. Palate: Almond, walnut, plum/raspberry, cranberries, dark chocolate, raspberry, dry wood shavings. Quite dry and zesty. Finish: Moderately long. Clove, allspice, salt. Very dry smoke, wood shavings and almond. Faint berry wisps. This would be a good whisky for extended drinking, but it's just a bit too dry. Nutty and oaky, coastal salinity, smoke and peat, with a good amount of tart berry sweetness. A respectable (very dry!) drink.

On the nose, you encounter a coastal peat, possibly with a touch of clove, raspberry, and sea salt following. Taste: Demerara sugar, caramel, and earthy peat. Not as earthy as a Laphroaig (which is hard to match), but this is quite close for a non-Islay. In terms of body, it's on the lighter side of syrupy. Very good with the approximately 46% ABV Finish: Peat, homemade caramel, charred oak spices (clove, the bitter aspect of anise). This is outstanding for the cost.