Ledaig is the peated half of Tobermory's split personality, and the name itself is the older of the two: when John Sinclair established the distillery on Mull in 1798 it traded as Ledaig, the Gaelic word for a safe haven. Only in the twentieth century did the unpeated make take the Tobermory name, leaving Ledaig for the smoky campaigns.
The 12 Year Old is the entry-age statement for the peated line, matured principally in refill bourbon casks and bottled at 46.3% without chill-filtration or added colour. Peating level is quoted at around 35 to 40 ppm on the malt, placing it firmly in Islay territory despite being made a short sail to the north.
The nose offers classic coastal peat: wood smoke, brine and a squeeze of lemon. The palate is oilier than one expects at this strength, carrying black pepper, salted butter and vanilla over a charcoal base. The finish is long and ashy, with that kipper quality that Mull distillate tends towards.
Ledaig has quietly built a following among drinkers who want the smoke of Islay without the price escalation. The 12 is its honest calling card.
