Ledaig 1993/2001 8 Year Old Signatory Vintage

Let me start with the fact that this is my first Ledaig ever. So I have no official bottling to compare this with. I picked up this whisky (in a miniature of 50ml) in the shop of the Edradour distillery during my visit last September. Edradour? Isn't that miles away from the Isle of Mull? True, but Edradour is owned by Andrew Symington, who also runs Signatory Vintage, the independent bottler. So it's only logical that the shop sells whiskies from Signatory as well. And while this bottling from Signatory is a single cask, it's cut to an ABV of 43% (official bottlings are nowadays non-chill filtered and bottled at 46,3%). This one clearly matured on a bourbon cask.

Oh, before I forget: Ledaig is pronounced 'let-chik'.

The nose starts somewhat reluctantly with peat smoke, that seems to evaporate quickly. This is soon followed by creamy notes, grass and a touch of citrus. Clean and clearly very young. Not much happening. Light-footed, well-behaved and... somewhat boring.

The attack is pretty weak and somewhat watery, but becomes quite peaty - as you would expect from a Ledaig, after all. Right behind the peat is white pepper and nutmeg. I get some white fruit (apples, primarily) and spring grass. Adding water doesn't seem to be an option at this strength, so I didn't.

The finish makes amends, for it is pretty long and spicy. I get some ashes and peppers. This is the best part of this otherwise pretty boring whisky.

As a first encounter with Ledaig, this one - despite the weak nose and even weaker attack on the palate - is 'okay'. But I'll admit to having had higher expectations. Bottled too young, maybe?

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