Ledaig 18 / Whisky Review

[@jonadad]

Great review Narbe. Totally agree that this Ledaig 18 is a great one for the money. I like the uniqueness of Batch No. 02 release (cool sliding-door wood box too). It has a nice note of roasted peppers (like a delish roasted pepper in a cheesy nacho blend) that I don't get in any other whisky. This note adds a savory element along with the other Sherried/Peat/farm notes. I don't see Batch No. 02 at auction much, but was able to get a few bottles stateside before it went away. The Batch 02 has been 88-89 pts for me on most days---but after lots of air and sitting at 1/2 fill level over 2 years it gets as high as 90 pts for me. I poured off 1/2 of a backup bottle into small bottles and it's been sitting for a couple years to see what other magic can happen. Can then compare that to both the neck pour juice in the sample bottles and the natural volume decline with time in the standard dram bottle.

[@Njswingsets2]

Absolutely underrated distillery. Always great casks. Unique peaty taste. Great review thank you!

[@maltreviews]

100% Thank you!

[@djbeacon6895]

Bought my first Ledaig a month ago and went with this 18 year. About 100 total cost in my hands. Shipping is expensive. Plan to open soon.

[@SaltyCuban]

Same here. Not many 18 yr olds for @$100 anymore.

[@davidcraig8367]

Thanks for the great review. Can you recommend a source from the UK to buy scotch that will ship to the USA?

[@sidberns1373]

Just bought a bottle of this really liked the balance and quality of casks was evident, great whiskey at a fair price.

[@JimmyBlastBeatz]

You guys need to be bigger! Always reviewing some top shelf bottles with some great commentary.

[@BillyBombastic]

fishnets - phwoooar, sold

[@welshtoro3256]

I'm a big fan of Ledaig 18. A lot of 18 year old whiskies aren't that much better than their younger expressions compared to the large difference in price. However, much as I very much enjoy Ledaig 10 I really have no problem paying the extra for the 18. These days folk are excited about the good value Deanston 18 but I far prefer the Ledaig. I also prefer it to the Talisker 18 (again, not much better than the 10 even at the old price). I hope the distillery don't do something as absurd as a stupid price rise. Everybody I know has stopped buying Talisker 18 and they've slowed down on other 18 year old expressions after they crept over £100 - Glen Scotia, Glendronach, Bunnahabhain, etc. Ledaig are on to a good thing with a good whisky, sensibly priced, and one that we are happy to buy. If they mess about with that formula the opposite will be true. Nobody buys Talisker 18 any more.

[@maltreviews]

Yes lets hope things stay the same with this distillery both quality and price wise. Yah the Talisker price jump was way too extreme!

[@MarkHanson-du3qs]

I'm 100% with you on this. Gotten really tired of the ridiculous price increases

[@keithpetersen560]

I'm familiar with the distillery, but I've never had it. Great score and price. The Talisker 18 was so damn good at $80 when I bought it years ago. I didn't really appreciate what I had at the time. Great review.

[@maltreviews]

Thanks Keith! Ledaig is def something to try if you are into islay whiskies. Start with the 10 year

[@keithpetersen560]

@@maltreviews The 10 yr is about $70 at TW, so I'll skip that and start with the 18 yr. Thanks

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Keep seeing people saying how good this is and for a reasonable price. Need to put it in the basket of my next thewhiskyworld order. Cheers

[@cliffnorman178]

What a great review!!!! 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@michaellambright7968]

Nice one. Love the glass, where’d you find it?

[@David4.14]

It’s the Eisch whisky glass. Amazon seems to carry them.

[@maltreviews]

Look for Eisch glass on amazon or google

[@MarkHanson-du3qs]

@@maltreviews I have these glasses as well, probably my favorite glass.

[@VaryingViewpoint]

Great review!

[@maltreviews]

Thank you!

[@roberthodge6711]

Is this whisky natural in color

[@D.C.897]

Which Batch are you drinking? I’ve had the Batch 2 and felt it was too savory for my liking.

[@maltreviews]

Not sure about exact batch but its a 2022 release.

[@jackdeedman5344]

Yeah this is a great one. Got another bottle this year. I always keep a bottle stashed as I'm worried the price is gonna do a Diagio. Its funny as the Tobermory 17, -which is more limited and cask strength-, is around £125 . Its an olo cask and not a finish, but still! My advice is get this while its affordable. Great stuff!