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Whisky Review: Ledaig 10 Year Old (Signatory Vintage)

We review Ledaig 10 Year Old Signatory Vintage, a sherried single malt made at Tobermorey Distillery and released by a favorite indie bottler.

OVERALL RATING

  • Kirk Sig is a whisky connoisseur known for his candid and investigative approach to whisky reviews.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Distilled 2005, First Fill Sherry Butt, 576 Bottles, 54.6% ABV
Appearance:
Nose:
Wow, this one has quite the peppery-wood scent for a ten year old. A little like a Talisker 10-Year-Old, but at cask strength. Wet sand and sea shells; golden raisins; figs; beach bonfire smoke. There’s also a hint of anise and star fruit after fifteen minutes in the glass. I would say this whisky is well past the “tequila stage.” I’ve had younger Ledaigs that could almost pass for mezcal. . I’m no longer reminded of a Talisker. Dare I say, now the dram is nearly Ardbegian in terms of its deep, resonant, tar-rich satisfaction? Cigar wrapper, with mellow smoke and less fruit. Water teases the
Palate:
Creamy peat rolls down the back of the tongue with no significant “burn” considering the nearly 55% ABV. Sipping on this one exudes a visceral satisfaction that reminds me of sitting down to a bowl of steel cut Scottish oatmeal with raisins and sprinkle of brown sugar on top. Also bacon-wrapped dates, butter brickle ice cream, tar, fresh kelp, and, finally, a healthy dose of driftwood bonfire smoke. Yes, this is mouth-coating in the pleasantest of ways. I’m impressed that it drinks fairly smooth at cask strength, particularly after time in one’s glass. A little water changes the balance considerably on the nose. I’m no longer reminded of a Talisker. Dare I say, now the dram is nearly Ardbegian in terms of its deep, resonant, tar-rich satisfaction? Cigar wrapper, with mellow smoke and less fruit. Water teases the palate to become sweeter, which is odd considering the nose is actually less sweet when one’s glass is irrigated, ever so slightly. Toffee and walnuts now, with prunes, dates . . . but, alas, no more bacon. The finish is medium in length; a pleasant industrial residue evokes creosote, aged wood, and sea spray on ferry docks of Puget Sound. With water, the finish is short with sea salt, and a puff of smoke that seems cleaner, now, less “bonfire-esque.” Conclusion: Okay, so this Ledaig 10-Year-Old Signatory Vintage is not a mind-bending sherry-laced smoke bomb, like quite a few of its older brothers from 2004 in the Signatory Vintage line, but the big oval bottle is a good deal at around $80. Speaking of which . . . I really do love these carafe-like Signatory Vintage bottles. After the whisky runs dry, they are so nice to use for all sorts of tasks around the house, such as filtered table water at parties. The wide mouth and flanged lips, together with an over-sized “ergonomic” cork stop, and a short narrow neck, help to make the bottle worth keeping, or even giving as a gift with a bow on top, and some nice vatted whisky inside from your own private stash! FINAL SCORE: 89/100
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Whisky Kirk

Kirk Sig's fascination with Scottish whisky ignited in 1987 during a visit to Edinburgh. In the ensuing three and a half decades, he has cultivated an extensive understanding of distilleries, the whisky industry, and the global whisky landscape.

Kirk prides himself on providing candid and unvarnished reviews, eschewing the prevalent flattery and fluff that often permeate whisky commentary. This direct approach has occasionally ruffled feathers in influential circles, which he views as a testament to his commitment to prioritize the interests of the consumer.

Embracing the spirit of investigative journalism, Kirk's reviews delve deeper, leaving no stone—or cask—unturned. He believes in transparency and ensures that readers are privy to any noteworthy findings, fostering an informed and empowered whisky community.

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