Ledaig 1996 Sherry Cask Finish

I had Ledaig before: I liked one a lot (IB from Claxton’s) and didn’t another (18y). But since I recently had the Tobermory 12y, which really positively surprised me, I wanted to give its heavily peated expression another go. And the nose right away doesn’t disappoint. Very delicious peat-sherry composition. Lots of salt and a bid of fresh rubber. It could for sure pass as Islay from the nose it just doesn’t have those seawater notes. (It feels like Bowmore.) In the back is a slight rotten hay aroma which is a little off-putting. The palate has dry sand, minerals - it is oily, very peaty, strawberry compote, lots of vanilla then burned sugar-syrup. The finish is short and a bid uninspired. Nice whisky. A bold statement that properly displays Tobermory’s capability to create really good peated whisky too that doesn’t have to hide behind anyone in that class and price range. Will I buy it? No. While it reminds me of peated sherry Islay whiskies, the Uigeadail is far beyond on all ends to this one. (Damn you Uigeadail - why are you so good?)

Once briefly the Ledaig flame burned bright for me but now not really a fan. Very acetone nose which translates to the palate with metallic bitter quite acidic peat. The sherry casking is like a rider thrown off their horse with their foot still stuck in the stirrip being dragged along behind as the horse goes whatever way it wants...i.e. very much not in charge. It does impart a nice xmas cake type of flavour however. I initially thought it's very much a love or hate type of style of whisky but then I find myself both not liking the concept it delivers but still drinking it...it's force of character is definitely an attraction.