Is This The Best Value 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Right Now? Ledaig 18 Year Old Review

Today I am reviewing a bottle I've wanted to try for a really long time, the Ledaig 18 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull. I adore the Ledaig 10 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky which was the first whisky I ever reviewed. Needless to say, expectations for this whisky are pretty high. Add to that the fact that this whisky has garnered a lot of attention with an Online Scotch Whisky Award nomination as well as being recognized by some as their whisky of the year for 2022 I could hardly contain my excitement. Lediag 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky is aged for 16 years in Ex-bourbon casks and then aged for 2 final years in sherry casks. Ledaig 18 is bottled at 46.3%, is non chill filtred and natural colour. Is the Ledaig 18 Year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky the best value 18 year old Single Malt on the market right now? Watch to find out my thoughts on that as well as a review of the Ledaig 18 Year.
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[@rivenbeef]

Just paid £71 for this and it’s phenomenal, so I would say absolutely yes!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Great price for an outstanding whisky. Glad you are loving it. Cheers eh! 🥃

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Awesome that this was such a stunner. Not a surprise, but great to know! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Cheers!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Yeah, I guess it's not much of a revelation that aged Ledaig is pretty darn good 😆 But I can't deny it sold me. Hope this starts to show up in Alberta some day soon. Cheers 🥃

[@NoteworthyWhisky]

Great review! As for best value 18 year old, I would throw out AnCnoc 18 and Deanston 18 both were around $130 CAN but recently have gone up to $150 which is closer to that £80 mark but still well worth it. Cheers!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Nice recommendations! I was really impressed by the Deanston 18 year earlier this year! Impressive performance, especially when considering the price too! I need more experience with AnCnoc. Cheers eh! 🥃

[@heatherharrison264]

I have Ledaig 18 in my collection, and one of the local bars has the 10-year. You can't go wrong with either one. In California, Ledaig 18 is priced similarly to many other 18-year Scotch whiskies, so it isn't necessarily a bargain compared to others, but for a heavily peated 18-year, it is hard to beat, and there aren't a lot of other options to consider. Lagavulin 16-year was one of my introductions to peated Scotch whisky, and I'll always have a soft spot for it, but I like Ledaig 18 a lot better. Lagavulin 16 used to be a great value for what it offers, but the price has gone up a lot in recent years. These days, I think Ledaig 18 is a better value.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks for the great comment Heather! Yeah, I'd agree with your analysis there. I recently had quite a bit of the Lagavulin 16 year and I'd say I feel the same way, especially with recent price increases to the Lagavulin 16. Ledaig 18 was presented really well. Cheers 🥃

[@canahmet8214]

Try the 9 year old, limited release.

[@sandymacdonald8485]

I don't have the 18 yet, but its on my very long list of must buys.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Hope you get to take this one home soon. We could flash forward 10 years and still not get to the end of that list I think. Personally I know for every one bottle I take off the list 3 more take its place! Cheers Sandy 🥃

[@justwhisky]

Great show Matt! Can’t argue with your choice. Arran 18 is also up there on my list. Cheers 🥃

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Yes! Arran 18 has been fantastic. One of the very best 18's for the money. Honestly take money out of it and it still might be near the top! Cheers 🥃

[@speruman]

I recently bought the 18 for $189 plus tax in Washington State. Not cheap, especially with the hig--almost 20% taxes here. I was too slow when it first got buzzing and missed it at $125 or so. No regrets. I was curious if I would think the $200 price point was worth it when so much great stuff can be had for around $100. I'm sold. It's my favorite whiskey of all time so far. I literally cried when I tasted it.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Ooof, adding in that 20% hurts big time. Up here in B.C. we have it a bit better, but still at 15%. It doesn't make it easy on us. After tasting this whisky I can see why it had such a big impact upon you. It's made me very determined to find a bottle. Tough task when I will need to import from another country. Glad you've loved the Ledaig 18. Cheers 🥃

[@VazzVegas]

Nice review! I haven't ventured into 18's yet but am looking to start. The big barrier is living in BC. Not only due to the stupid prices we have to pay but the availability as well. It's comical that alcohol in BC is 100% run by politicians that know next to nothing about it.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks! Yeah, the BC Liquor Board controlling every bottle that gets sold in the province is a bit silly. The 15% we pay in tax on top of already artificially inflated prices is ridiculous too. There's a reason I often look elsewhere for my whisky. Cheers 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Ledaig 18 might be the "Best 18" period; but it's kinda nuts that standard Tobermory 12 is now selling for $90, and that's a joke. As for "Best Value 18", I think that goes to Tomatin 18, which is usually under $90 and is top-notch stuff.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I have noticed the same rise in price happening in my market with the Tobermory 12. Hasn't hit the Ledaig 10 yet but I fear the worst 😆 Tomatin has some fantastic value bottlings, I like that pick. It actually reminded me that there is a Tomatin Distillery Single Cask 15 year old Cask Strength bottling available at about the same price as the Ledaig 18. Cheers 🥃

[@DP-ol1wh]

lol dude I see the offerman oak for 120 on some sites and labeled rare. Meanwhile there's a mass sell of at 50 dollars at a few places. Other than that bottle, it's insane and will only continue to rise. I think the EU and UK will eventually tax or limit peat because the planet will explode lol. Imagine quality drop. We're seeing it now. That's why I'm stocking up on the few true distilleries I'm aware of like Bruichladdich PC 10, Laphroaigs, Ardbeg 10 (the people have spoken, we don't want your coloring) few other old school ones even though they color... I wonder what the next liquor craze will be? Rum? Hell maybe, Mezcal... can be very close to whisky

[@Whisky_Total]

Hello Mate I have a bottle of Ledaig 18 from 2021, and without a doubt it is a phenomenal whisky. It was one of the Whiskies that takes the longest to oxidize inside the bottle, more than 6 months. But after those 6 months, it was wowwwwww. 98€ in Europe 🥃🥃

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

98 Euro is an excellent price for a great dram like this one. Glad you're enjoying it. If I ever get my hands on a full bottle I'll keep in mind your tip about 6 months oxidation helping this one open up. Cheers 🥃

[@jameswrightesq]

Another banger of a video / review Matt, thank you! We're on the same page! Some friends came for a visit a couple of weeks ago and they asked which bottle I'd like them to bring. Yup, it was the Ledaig 18 yr old. I hadn't tried it either and had been longing to for ages, as I love the 10 Yr old so much. I totally concur with your tasting notes, except I noted that it had even better mouth feel than the 10, feeling a bit more oily / more viscous. So sad that we can't get it over here, so I'll be nursing this bottle big time!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks James! Good to hear we have the same read on this whisky. Thank goodness for good friends that can come through with bottles like Ledaig 18! It makes sense to me that the 18 has more body to it. I had a suspicion that the steady diet of cask strength from Islay had thrown that part off for me. Honestly, how this whisky performed is even more impressive considering my recent experience on Islay. Stout competition and this step up to it. Hopefully this bottle makes its way to Canada soon! Cheers 🥃

[@kiwigor]

Never had the Ledaig 18 (sold out in my market). Best value 18YO here are Loch Lomond 18, Ancnoc 18 or Glen Moray 18…. Can’t wait to get my hands on a Ledaig 18…. Nice video once again!!!! Cheers!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Kiwigor! Sounds like we have the same problem getting a bottle of Ledaig 18. Like you said, the Loch Lomond 18 and AnCnoc 18 are great alternatives while we hope for more Ledaig 18 to show up. Cheers 🥃

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Going through a bottle of this. It is nice especially for the price. However after doing side by sides with Ledaig 10 this has me wanting something different. Ledaig 16. The 16 year old bourbon barrels bottled at 50% would be so much more my preference to this 18. Merry Christmas

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I can understand that take. The focused ex-bourbon presentation of the Ledaig 10 do allow for what feels like a truer representation of the distillery. The sherry definitely takes some of the edge of the whisky and probably makes it a friendlier more approachable Ledaig. For me, I think I'd enjoy it either way. Ledaig just hits right for me. Hope you had a Merry Christmas Donner Pass. Happy New year! Cheers 🥃

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Definitely one of those bottles I keep an eye out for in my scotch journey. Haven’t seen one yet but I will eventually. Standard 10 and Tobermory both favorites at my home bar tho for sure. Good stuff

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Eventually one of us has to come across a full bottle of this one, right?! Hope you stumble across one some day soon. The standard Ledaig 10 and Tobermory 12 are great, bit this 18 was unreal. Cheers 🥃

[@alfiefranklin7831]

Totally agree with you, thank you for the review, without doubt it’s a quality 18 year old malt for little money……

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Glad we're on the same page Alfie! This Ledaig 18 is wonderful and at the right price. If I could buy it in Canada I would. Cheers eh 🥃

[@jackthepickledhound]

Sad story about your experience at the Distillery. Mull is really my #1 fantasy destination. Ledaig 10 change my life. When I learned they do an un-peated I was blind to any cost issue. Sucks. They get expensive. The Ledaig 18 on the other hand was really within reach. So before I opened my first I scored a backup batch 2 for $125 US. Don't really see it around much so I don't have a feeling on the current price. Tomatin 18 is a great value but it's much more mainstream. The LL 12 is a bit more vivacious than the 18 even though it's the least costly 18 period. Everything else is more money. I can still get an older Longrow 18 for $200. My Tobermory 17 was cask strength at $200, even though I see it for as much as $240. The Ledaig 18 is a totally funky and completely satisfying dram. Funny how far we are from a quintessential scotch. I just tried a sample of some $100 Glenmorangie Signet and I was shocked. It is exactly what I would expect scotch to taste like. Perfect balance of all the flavors with nothing interesting. Like a nice blend

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

That's a really interesting comparison in both concept and actuality. Ledaig 18 is pretty much as far away as I can think from a classic representation of "quintessential" Scotch. I would take Ledaig 18 everyday over Signet, even though I'd enjoy the Signet too, just not in the same way. Like you said, way more interesting. I picked up my own Tobermory 17 for about the same price. I really do love the distillery and would love to return to do it right in the future. Hopefully they are opening more bottles next time. Hope you get to Mull someday soon Jack! Cheers 🥃

[@arshadf3146]

Dude, I so resonate with your nosing n tasting, just magnificent, can absolutely relate to your break down.. keep going, slainte✨️✨️✨️

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Arshad! I always love hearing this about a whisky I loved so much. Hoping to try more Ledaig soon. Cheers buddy 🥃

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

I first tried the 18 and actually I tried it side by side with the batch 3 of Spanish sherry wood finish and I wasn't massively impressed with either of them. By no means I thought they were bad, but I was happier drinking the 10 or the Rioja. Value wise I might suggest AnCnoc 18 or Deanston 18 but I have to go back and spend more time with the Ledaig, I might change my mind:) Cheers!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I loved my Deanston 18 experience. When I tried my first Daftmill it reminded me of the brown label Deanston 18. I know you've preferred PX to Oloroso in the past, I wonder if that might be what's made them lackluster for you. Ledaig sherry wood batch #3 is finished in Oloroso, I am suspicious the Ledaig 18 is too. Cheers man, hope you're enjoying your vacation 🥃

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast Damn man great memory and yes it probably is the Oloroso effect. Such a shame though, it does keep me away from many a great drams but there are so many others out there I'm not gonna cry too much over it :)

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

Waiting for mine to arrive :) . Tried it last week and it's just amazing. I love my 10 and my Rioja, gonna be nice to own the entire core range (which is rather tiny)

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Glad you've got one on the way. I really need to finalize my order for one(not used to ordering from the U.K.). It's a small core range but a really impactful one. If they ever add to it I'll certainly be paying attention. Cheers 🥃

[@saschaoswald480]

Recently had a chance for family to pick up a bottle for me in London....it was between the Bunna 12 cask strength 2022 or the Ledaig 18...in the end I flipped a coin and went for the Bunna, but nice to know that either way it would have been a good choice 😂. Not cool for Tobermory to have nothing to taste available for visitors (other than the bog standard, entry level bottles), that's the whole point of visiting the distillery shop, right?

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Truly there was not a bad choice to make in the equation. If I could only grab one I'm not sure what direction I would have gone, they are both such great pours. I love Tobermory so i'm just hopeful that if I ever get a chance to go back they are opening a few more bottles. Cheers Sascha 🥃

[@DP-ol1wh]

The Ledaig 18 LE and 19 (1996) are the best scotch I've ever had in my life. I legit spent 12 minutes just nosing the neck pour. Laphroaig Cairdeas 22 (23 coming soon) are up there as well. So many people missed these bottles. It's part of the bitter sweet journey... never to be seen again... This is why I rarely buy 1 bottle, unless it's something somewhat standardized like an PC 10 or Laphroaig 10 etc

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Yeah you've got the right idea regarding buying 1 to drink now and one for later. I wish I'd done that woth a number of whiskies just hadn't had the cash. Those Ledaig's sound special though. I'd probably go crazy for them just like you did. Cheers eh 🥃

[@DP-ol1wh]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast Ugh I just wrote a huge response. and hit a button like an idiot lol. it's a foolproof investment of sorts. Always works as gifts. Prices always increase (eg can't find even find laga 16 for under 100. even 8 which are awesome minus the coloring, are 90 dollars. If I bought 2 cases 2 or 3 years ago, and it's the case with many whiskies, close to half price. On hand, zero thought gifts. I gave my friend's family a 19 (for their restaurant opening) and they knew the price. Hell I bought 6 Elijah craigs that were 20 bucks! perfect gifts for less classy/special occasions. Saving time, aggrevation, and money right there. Finally, the very odd shot you make a large sum down the line. Hell I'd send you a few drams worth if I could dm here. There's a great shop I'd like to at least share in CA. prices are awesome. like dont need 200 people buying up the place lol. I think I lucked out because with ledaigs since it was imported by a company in my region. I just used my new 15 month 0 percent apr (I've done this numerous times for business lol). Worst case, you bought a bunch of bottles you love, that will never be made again! Bourbon private barrels are such a gamble but I lucked out getting 6 dusty bottles for 29 dollars of evan williams 2013 vintage.

[@McIntyresMalts]

An exceptional whisky, but unfortunately in Australia the secret is out and it's no cheaper than the typical 18 year old scotches here 😢

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

It really is a great dram to pour. Sorry to hear about the state of pricing. Let's just hope most of these distilleries never fancy themselves the next Macallan, Dalmore or Highland Park and go down the premiumization route. Cheers 🥃

[@McIntyresMalts]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast Fingers crossed! There are still plenty of great affordable scotches thankfully, and I still don't mind paying a little more for something as good as this, as long as I'm not overpaying 😉

[@JoelKorytko]

Feeling some peak jealousy right now. Can't get this anywhere around here. 😢 Do you have a best value 18 that is available?

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Yeah, I'm pretty desperate to get a bottle of this too somehow! I'd probably go with Arran 18 or Loch Lomond 18 year as great values. Noteworthy whisky suggested AnCnoc 18 year and others have suggested Tomatin 18 year. Cheers 🥃

[@meursault.1984]

am a bit new with peated scotch, but when you say "medicinal", you mean it taste like iodine right? still a bit overwhelmed with peat, seems like its covering all the other flavors. I mean I can taste other notes, but the peat seems to hide/block the other flavors compared to other scotch/whiskey...So far, the only one I liked is the Nikka Yoichi since it has a very light peat that complements the other notes...

[@SaltyCuban]

I’m nursing my last purchase this year with the budget I’ve given myself. It so happens that there’s a store that has a Bunnahabhain 18 for about the same as this Ledaig 18. (@$130 with shipping). My hesitation for the Bunna is people are saying there’s batch variations. For the Ledaig, some say it’s an odd one. Which would you pick?

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Oh man, that's both a great and tricky situation to be in. It's a good price for both as far as I'm concerned. The Bunnahabain 18 does typically cost more than the Ledaig 18. I can confirm Bunna 18 is subject to batch variations but not to the point where they have "bad batches" if you catch my drift. Unless you are looking for Peat I'd go Bunnahabhain 18 because it is typically higher in price than that. Wallet says Bunna18, heart says ledaig 18. I'm in love with that Ledaig 18 so I'd also say go with the Ledaig if you'd prefer something with peat right now too. Hope this doesn't make it harder and actually helps. Both are very worthy, though my heart is with the Ledaig. Cheers 🥃

[@SaltyCuban]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast Thanks for the great response. you know what? Your video makes this Ledaig sound like such an experience of flavors that you e made up my mind. I’m sure the Bunna is great but I do have one unopened. Even though I’ve yet to try it. So Ledaig 18 it is. Thank you sir, for helping me choose. Ps I subbed as well. Looking forward to more of your articulate and thoughtful reviews.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks for the kind words! Now I really hope you enjoy the Ledaig 18. Cheers 🥃

[@canahmet8214]

You don't pronounce the 'D'. Le Caig

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks!

[@leandrodelgiudice]

NO

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Fair Enough, lol. The Boutique-y 18 Year old Highland Peated might have it beat now. Cheers 🥃