Ledaig 2005/2022 16 Years - Signatory Vintage
Ledaig - the smoky, wild brother of the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull.Anyone who knows Ledaig knows that there are no half measures here.The whisky is often intense, maritime and dirty - a kind of Islay alternative with its very own twist. The Ledaig 2005/2022 from Signatory Vintage takes this to the extreme.16 years of maturation and a stable 66.1% ABV - this is no gentle introduction to the world of peated whisky, but a real monster.The question is: does it deliver what the figures promise?
Tasting Notes
Nose
It's clear from the first sniff: here comes a heavyweight.Bacon, barbecue smoke and maritime salt notes immediately dominate. It smells as if you are standing right next to a smoker grill on the coast, while the wind carries a mixture of charcoal and sea air. But there is more to this intense first impression. With a little time in the glass, BBQ sauce, honey and a hint of espresso unfold - a sweet and spicy depth that rounds off the flavour.The smoked almonds, which add a slightly nutty, oily note, are particularly exciting. And then there's that slightly earthy, dirty undertone that's so typical of Ledaig - as if you've just rolled your hands in wet peat. Fascinating and intense!
Palate
No surprise: at 66.1%, this whisky packs a punch. But despite the high alcohol strength, it is surprisingly complex. Voluminous, oily and powerful, it rolls over the tongue as if it were clawing its way into every corner of the mouth. The first impression is fruity and salty, almost as if you were tasting grilled peaches with a pinch of sea salt. But the BBQ wave sets in the very next moment: smoke, ham, charcoal, paired with a certain rubbery note and a slight hint of iodine. What makes it special: the flavours from the nose are perfectly reflected in the taste - nothing falls apart, nothing seems disharmonious. It does exactly what it is supposed to do, and with impressive intensity.
Finish
After such a brute start, one might expect a long, epic finish - but here the Ledaig surprises. Although the smoke remains noticeable, the finish is relatively short overall. What remains is a mixture of fruity and smoky notes, with a gentle echo of charcoal and salt.
Thoughts
Marcel 85/100
The Ledaig 2005/2022 is a wild ride for anyone who loves smoky power – the combo of BBQ, sea, and bacon really hits hard here. Despite a hefty 66.1%, it remains surprisingly approachable and just plain fun, even if the finish feels a bit too short. If you like it intense and full of character, this one will definitely deliver.
Sascha 87/100
This Ledaig impresses with its clear structure and the balance between maritime notes and smoky intensity at a proud 66.1% ABV. The aromas are precisely layered, the palate full-bodied and complex, with only the relatively short finish slightly detracting from the overall experience. A technically very well-crafted, robust single malt with a strong signature.
Value for Money: No rating
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Ledaig 2005/2022 16 Years from Signatory Vintage stand out compared to other peated whiskies?
The Ledaig 2005/2022 is distinguished by its combination of intense smokiness, maritime notes, and an unusually high alcohol strength of 66.1%. It blends the typical Islay character with a distinctive, sometimes earthy and nutty aroma profile that sets it apart from classic Islay whiskies.
How should one drink the Ledaig 2005/2022 16 Years to best experience its aromas?
Due to its strong 66.1% ABV, it is recommended to dilute the whisky with a few drops of water. This helps unlock the complex aromas like BBQ sauce, honey, and smoked almonds, making the flavor more accessible without losing intensity.
Why is the finish of the Ledaig 2005/2022 relatively short despite its powerful aromatic profile?
Although the Ledaig 2005/2022 scores with strong smoke and full flavor, the finish is comparatively short and crisp. This is because the whisky presents its aromas in a concentrated way without lingering in a long aftertaste, which for many fans offers an interesting contrast to other long-drawn Islay whiskies.