Ledaig 10 years

Score: 68

Ledaig 10 Year Old came in third place in its tasting, a well-deserved podium finish for a whisky that brought island grit and coastal charm to the lineup. A peated single malt from the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, Ledaig 10 doesn’t try to please everyone, it simply shows up with confidence, complexity, and character. The nose is medicinal and peaty, with notes of iodine, butterscotch, fresh-cut grass, and wildflower honey. As it opens, it becomes floral and perfumed, revealing a distinctive island scent that sets it apart from Islay’s peat powerhouses. On the palate, it’s big and oily, with flavors of driftwood, burnt vegetation, seaweed, and ash, balanced by brown sugar and spice. The finish is briny, smoky, and expansive, lingering like a sea breeze after a storm. This is a whisky with integrity, it knows what it is and delivers it unapologetically. It’s bold, honest, and full of island soul, and in a lineup of varied styles, it stood out as a value gem and a club favorite. The third-place ranking wasn’t just a nod to its quality, it was a recognition of its distinctiveness and depth. A dram for those who appreciate peat with personality, and a reminder that sometimes the best whiskies aren’t the flashiest, they’re the ones that linger, challenge, and reward.