In my review of the entry level 10 year old Ledaig I wrote that it was better than I remembered, and quite enjoyed it. Tobermory just released an official bottling of a Ledaig 18, which I have yet to taste, but my friend Manny from Austria sent me a stunning 17 year old Gordon and MacPhail’s Connoisseur’s Choice 1993 Ledaig, that was bottled in 2010.
Durat Castle, Isle of Mull
Photo Credit: 1ms.net
What sets G&M apart from other independent bottlers is the fact that they bring their own sourced barrels to the distilleries to have them filled with new make. Thus, the whisky was aged in one of their casks, the type of which was undisclosed.
Photo Credit: bondeau.com
Gordon and MacPhail’s Connoisseur’s Choice 1993 Ledaig, Distilled May 1993, Bottled September 2010 (43% ABV)
Appearance: Amber, quick long legs.
Nose: Honey, peat and malt compete on the nose, with pepper and cinnamon. After covering the glass for a few minutes, a sour note appears, but it dissipates rather quickly. Despite not being stated, this smells like a 2nd fill sherry cask.
Palate: Sweet at first, then bitter peat and citrus oils (like you get when you taste your finger after peeling an orange) come through, with a hint of a non sweet white wine.
Linger: Bitterness and sweetness on the tongue, gentle peat around the mouth, and it stays there for a while.
Conclusion
I found this dram to be absolutely lovely. Complex and gentle, with quite a bit to explore. But don’t expect a peat monster, as this really isn’t.