This is the old Ledaig 15 at 43% (probably chillfiltered and maybe even coloured, though it’s not particularly tanned in appearance). I don’t think there’s been an updated version of this since Tobermory/Ledaig’s lineups got rebooted/upgraded with higher abv’s and more bespoke presentation some years ago—as to why that is, I’m not sure; there is a Tobermory 15, after all.

Anyway, this review is again going up simultaneously with that of Michael K. and Jordan D. (links to come in the morning once all the posts are up and I’m awake) and they will certainly have far more useful information. I can tell you that Michael’s incredibly conventional sample label says this was bottled in 2001 and that it’s probably actually 19 years old once you factor the distillery’s closures in.

Ledaig 15 (43%; from a sample received in a swap)

Nose: A big blast of acidic, farmy peat, heavily redolent of organic matter rotting in the undergrowth. Some sweetness alongside as well—some vanilla, maybe some apple. With a little bit of time there’s some lime. That seems to be about it. Sweeter with a couple of drops of water and then there’s quite a bit of salt too.

Palate: Tarrier to start and then more phenolic than on the nose; some salt too (and some of the sweetness/acid from the nose). The mouthfeel is just this side of being too thin. Gets thinner as it goes and also more peppery. Water make it more one dimensionally smoky still with more of a charred aspect now.

Finish: Long. The smoke keeps at it for a good long time, turning to burnt rope along the way. As on the palate with water.

Comments: Not a whole lot happening here but what there is is not bad at all. Simple, direct and, if you like this profile, pleasurable. I’m not sure I would have guessed 15 for the age if tasting blind though. Not sure what it sold for in 2001 but I wouldn’t want to pay more than $40 for it now.

Rating: 82 points.