Ledaig 14 Year (2009) Handfill First Fill Oloroso Cask
Review by: zSolaris
Distillery: Ledaig/Tobermory.
Bottler: /u/dustbunna.
Region: Island.
Age: 14 year. Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2023.
ABV: 52.6% Cask Strength.
Cask Type: First Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask.
Price: Sample courtesy of /u/dustbunna.
Color: 1.9, Brown Sherry.
This whisky was reviewed blind courtesy of /u/dustbunna as part of a Twelve Fourteen Days of Christmas set. The note on this dram was “XI (Eleven) Pipers Piping”.
Nose: The nose on this is rather dairy heavy with it smelling like slightly curdled milk or a soft cheese that isn’t too stinky. Perhaps this is what folks are referring to with by “lactic Laddie”? There’s a huge amount of sherry with loads of peat to balance things as well giving a nice balance of smoke and sweet.
Palate: Very similar to the nose with that balance of smoke and sweet continuing without the dairy notes. It is very barbecue-esque for me. It’s like taking a bite into a slab of meat that’s been slathered in a brown sugar-laden barbecue sauce. At full strength, it is fairly oak heavy as well with the oak spices adding to things. Certainly seems to be high in proof but doesn’t come across as overly hot. Adding water really amps up the meat notes a ton while dropping the oak notes to the wayside. I’m thinking more along the lines of a beautifully smoked brisket or tri-tip over a rack of ribs or anything else.
Finish: Fairly short. You get some oak, you get a lot of brown sugar. Adding water does add to the length a bit, but not a ton, with the brown sugar notes lasting the longest. A touch of barbecue char comes in as well.
Guess: Scotland. Islay. Bruichladdich, Octomore specifically. 5-9 years of age. Ex-Sherry cask. 55-60% ABV..
Reveal: Ledaig 14 Year (2009) Handfill First Fill Oloroso Cask
Conclusion: Man, I really need more Ledaig in my life. This handfill was absolutely fantastic. While it looks like this might be bludgeoned to death with sherry given the dark color, it actually comes out beautifully balanced between the sweeter elements provided by the cask and the peat smoke of the distillate. The nose threw me for a bit of a curveball, and is ultimately why I guess Bruichladdich, with those dairy notes but even those were just additive to the overall portfolio. Overall the barbecue meat notes are really punchy and really delicious. One I’d love to have on the shelf for sure!
Rating: 91.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 
