It’s a cold and rainy day in Texas. Time for PEAT! Found this at the back of the shelf when cleaning out the cabinet this morning. I just tried the Tobermory 10, which is Ledaig’s unpeated brother. All those flavors are still there, creamy vanilla malt, sour citrus, and salt. Add to that now a sweet, meaty smoke (reminds me of ribs...) and a hit of brine to enhance the salty note. On the palate it’s chewy and oily, and it almost heats up in your mouth as you drink it, almost like alcoholic pop rocks. Just like with its brother, this dram has a lovely long, mouth tingling finish that lingers on the mid-palate with elements of sea spray, bacon, smoke, and a drying sensation. It’s like Ardbeg 10 without the punch to the stomach. So how does this pour stand up with other peated Islay/Island drams? It’s good. It has an age statement. It sells for about $50 in Texas, which is $10 less than Talisker 10 or Lagavulin 8, but $10 more than Ardbeg or Laphroaig 10. Its gentler than an Islay, bit lacks the punch I love in Talisker. It’s well made stuff, but doesn’t stand out in a crowded peaty field. For me, it’s a pass on a bottle but it was lovely to visit while I did. Plenty to enjoy here, and I’d happily imbibe if offered a pour. I think it’s unpeated brother the Tobermory 10 stood out more in taste vs. VFM. Cheers!