Review by: Whiskery Turnip

---

Distillery: Tobermory Ledaig.

Bottler: The Whisky Exchange.

Region: Scotland/Island Single Malt.

ABV: 57.4%. Cask Strength.

Age: 13 Years. Distilled in 2005. Bottled in 2019.

Cask type: Sherry Butt.

---

Nose: Burning wood and fish smoking sheds along the shoreline; maritime smoke and salt with sweet burning wood; hints of rubber and medicinal herbs with camphor and incense.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily and balanced, maritime brine, smoke, meat, subtle fruit, brown sugar, hints of rubber and smoked fish, pepper and herbal camphor at the end.

Finish: Medium to long with subtle salt, smoke, and fruit.

---

Mental Image: Ritual to Awaken the Salmon God.

Conclusion: A delightfully vivid image emerged from the aroma— a fish-smoking shed sitting on a stony shore as a salty sea breeze blew in on a cloudy day. Discarded tires and buoys sat near the shed with bits of dried kelp and drying fish as a monk stumbled down the rocky path with incense wafting outside a hanging burner. Medium-bodied and oily on the palate with a balanced and well-rounded set of maritime brine, sweet smoke, rich meat, and subtle fruit. Salty tidal ponds played with tar, smoked fish, brown sugar, and burning wood— a hidden cove perhaps with drying seaweed, old buoys, and a found bottle of plum wine.  Sweet smoked octopus and salted plums lingered toward the end with a touch of pepper and tingling camphor.  The finish was medium to long with subtle salt, smoke, and fruit.

I cannot think of another Ledaig with which I immediately thought, “Wow, this is smooth.” This was no wimp or tepid malt; there was plenty of character, but I was surprised at just how refined and elegant it felt without any sharp edges or youthful spirit. For a thirteen-year-old malt, it was remarkably well-balanced and integrated.

Overall, a maritime melody and absolute delight— meaty, fruity, smokey, and touched with just a bit of rubbery or shoreline funk. The wife was a big fan as well, though she did not find it very characteristically Ledaig.

Final Score: 87.

---

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.