ralfy review 909 - Ledaig 10yo @ 46.3%vol: (2022)

[@davidramsbottom35]

Aaah, love your wonderful & extremely detailed, honest reviews Ralfy sir. I have been a massive peated malt junky for many years & on my limited budget have explored most of Islay big name, big business regulars which are fine in general... but have long had a dreamy, perhaps overly romantic idea of scotch whisky being made in very traditional, individual & independent distillerys.... I was shocked when I had this idea shattered a good while back as I like to use this interweb tech hust to read up on things-such as the history & whereabouts of whatever dram I'm sampling- obviously, I noticed the multi-national drinks industry names attatched as owners (oddly not really shouted about on the bottle/fancy box !) anyhow, this is how it is & not necessarily bad. But I like to back the little fish in these lochs of giant predators, and when I tried, loved this Ledaig & started to read about Ledaig/Tobermory being independent, it made me love it all the more! I have a bottle of Kilchoman Machir bay on order to see me thru the darkest months too. Thanks again Ralfy, Cheery bye!

[@davidramsbottom35]

Found a 20cl bottle of the Machir bay for c.£20.00, which i thought was good value plus a safer option for a first taste test of this intriguing & lesser known Islay distillerys offering. I really don't recall any previous whisky that i've bought where I have pulled out the cork for the first time & been so instantly enamoured with the wide, varied & mixture of aromas given off from the cork alone! And aa you may imagine Ralfy, the warmer the cork got as i held it, the more my senses were hit by new aromas lappearing.... I Believe i coulda just curled up, just using the cork as a comforting "dummy"!... Needless to day, the first dram i had was equally as satisfyingly & complexed. This is truly a small, extra talented team of people who have hit upon a precious kinda gold... hopefully a business that remains free from boardrooms full of brand marketing & people in suits talking of who the product should be aimed at & the target demographic etc!. Thamks once more.

[@WhiskeyFancies]

Love the explanation of the twiggy peat. Would love to hear more about comparing peat differences. Cheers!

[@JR-ii4lq]

Bought 2 bottles of the Ledaig 10. I'm sitting on the couch, it's been over 10 minutes and I haven't tested a drop. The nose is exquisite. I had never heard of it before your W.O.T.Y, very happy with my purchase!

[@The.Player]

Oh yes, the nose is something amazing indeed!

[@whitecollarwhisky]

My first peated whisky and still one of my favorites. I often line it up with Islays in blind shootouts and it always performs well.

[@MBFModernHomesteading]

I prefer it better with out the dabble of water, but like giving it a try, cheers.

[@MonkeyspankO]

Its very gratifying to see, after nearly a decade of Tobermory being the little engine that could, they're getting the recognition they deserve. Its not a hidden gem anymore.

[@Watchman999]

I was debating whether to like or dislike this comment because the fewer hidden gems the more expensive it all gets. :). But I think there will always be hidden gems coming up through the whisky world to whet our appetites and keep some whisky a good value for the money.

[@MonkeyspankO]

@@Watchman999 Please, dislike away! Ledaig used to sit on store shelves gathering dust, to be swept up and added to my Aladdin's cave. Now its always sold out. Very bad malt stay away

[@Watchman999]

@@MonkeyspankO coughing with you. LOL.

[@davidwithers1748]

@MonkeyspankO

[@ronprichard6145]

Very dapper. All the best for 2022.

[@UsedBrain4U]

I just bought 2 bottles because I fell in love with Ledaig 2 years ago. My wife purchased a Boutique-Y advent set. The Ledaig stood out as the best by a wide margin. Here in Ontario, Canada it has not been in stock until now. I first fell in love with Scotch when I had my first Laphroaig QC about 4 years ago. Ledaig and Laphroaig are neck and neck for top spot in my heart.

[@Rohit_M]

As per Ledaig 10 Description box on Tobermory distillery's website: "As with all our single malts, this peated Ledaig is non-chill filtered and natural colour. Bottled at 46.3% and produced using peated (30-40ppm) concerto barley." I agree it should say so on the contract on the bottle.

[@MBFModernHomesteading]

This whiskey puts a smile on my face right off the hop, a beauty. Cheers.

[@marclambert8596]

My first and only Ledaig was the 18yo “Small Batch Spanish Sherry Wood Finish” I picked up on sale recently after my retail “mentor” said I wld like any unique cask Ledaig. He said this bec I’ve become so enamored with less sweet and more “funky” peated single malts matured in unusual (esp red wine) casks. After exploring alot of Longrow reds, Springbank, and Glen Scotia, I’m keen to range more broadly, so am very excited to delve deeper into Ledaig and start with the ‘purer’ distillate of this 10yo. Thx Ralfy and Happy New Year!

[@Lou.B]

A new subscriber, I just watched your whisky-of-the-year for 2022, so I'm doing some backwards time-travel here! Happy to get more info about the Ledaig 10, and will be looking for it in my town, San Francisco. I notice that the box has changed from a photo on the box to a solid black box, and is it my imagination (or bad photography?) that the more recent product is lighter in color? I know you're in a real bothy when your breath comes out in clouds! @16:36 Thanks again for your knowledgeable content, and I'm looking forward to your 2023 Jacket!

[@macallanfinerare2552]

Happy new year, Ralfy! May it be the much improved version of 2021... I like the new Scottish January clouds jacket, I hope it also works in summer! 😁

[@macallanfinerare2552]

@@artificial-frequencies Thanks big guy, same to you!!! 😊

[@suenteuspo9483]

Excellent jacket and wonderful choice for 2022! Ledaig 10 is tied with Ardbeg 10 for my favorite whisky.

[@Julian-e5l]

Hi,ralfy really enjoying your channel and your entertaining insight into the world of single malt I'm fairly new to single malt I first tried a bottle of Ardmore legacy a couple of years ago and loved the peaty taste, I've just ordered a bottle of ledaig 10.on your recommendation it sounds right up my street I've also ordered your 3rd book as an accompaniment looking forward to both,keep up the good work ralfy it's very enlightening.cheers Julian.

[@alexandermitev5189]

just had the tobermory 12 and i absolutely loved it! i def need to try this one as well! Really like the fact that you once again chose a whisky of the year that is widely available and well priced! Edit: Finished my bottle of the ledaig 10 yesterday and i can say that its a lovely dram. An easy recommendation from me as well, its a gently smokey one but it also has other layers that i’ve really enjoyed!

[@onYTsince2008]

They will DESERVE even more recognition when Tobermory distillers (Burn Stewart) stops adding caramel coloring e150a to their malts. Deanston 12, Deanston Virgin Oak, Tobermory 12, Ledaig 10 all have colouring.

[@alexandermitev5189]

According to german websites they all have natural colour/nicht gefärbt. Altough i do agree that is somthing that should be clearly stated on the bottle and im quite annoyed that its not!

[@joj9140]

I'm a newer subscriber, and absolutely love your reviews! I've also thoroughly enjoyed your messages on fitter philosophy.

[@highlandparker7912]

Thats indeed a fine malt. I hope they maintain the quality for the next years. I also bought a Glencadam 10 and I absolutely love it. Will stock a few bottles and have a look at older expressions.

[@30Huckleberry]

Had it for the first time last night. Really good. It will be on my regular rotation.

[@carsandwhisky2002]

I’m tasting my new ledaig 10 as I’m watching this review. It’s like getting a live tasting at the distillery where you just listen to Ralfy. Paid $40 for this bottle today in Miami. An absolute crazy steal. Like Arran 10 another absolutely awesome and very affordable bottle.

[@nutyyyy]

Same here. I always like to enjoy a dram of whatever whisky Ralfy is reviewing if I have it. Gives me so much more information and insight into the malt.

[@DrCorollary]

Ralfy firstly so much love your and your awesome , sincere, heartfelt and amusing reviews' way. Secondly please review Ledaig 10 2024, mainly because i ordered a few bottles directly and literally after having a few sips! But also because i found the color to be strikingly lighter in the current version. Cheers

[@robfut9954]

Looking sharp in your 2022 duds, Ralfy. Very smart look!

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Ralfy, I think it might be helpful if defined "active cask". Are you talking about first fill verses second, third.... refill casks? Nice jacket, sort of a winter sky color. I wonder if your videos affect the flannel jacket market.

[@davet7185]

Welcome back Ralfy (looking altogether resplendent in your 2022 winter jacket) 🙂. I'm happy to report that a bottle of Ledaig has found its way into my drinks cabinet. Looking forward to another wonderful malty year compounded by your reviews Maestro.......I'm going to be looking for more comments on the essential elements of whisky production that have the greatest impact on the profile of the spirit. Perhaps in one of your extras you can cover the breadth of the 'cut' Ralfy and explain exactly how the distiller is able to identify the heart of the run. Excellent review as always 👍.

[@PanOfLol]

Your reviews really helped me get into Whiskey Ralfy! Thank you! I got given your first book for xmas and it's a great read, hard not to imagine it in your voice!

[@jigarpatel3658]

Thank you Ralphie, loved this Lediag, quite lovely and warm on a cold day. Cheers!!

[@joethebar1]

I picked this up due to your recommendation. It’s way better than I thought it would be; what a beautiful revelation of a scotch

[@RABSTRAINS]

I just opened my first Ledaig 10. Wow, it is awesome. The Peat, Smoke and Wood Spice are outstanding. There is a slight bit of sweetness as well. The spice becomes less but still present after your palate becomes accustomed. I recommend this if you enjoy peat and smoke; it’s awesome and meaty. I love this stuff ! Lingering Peat and Smoke !!KEEP IT UP RALFY, YOU ARE AWESOME 👏!

[@5tanw0rr311]

Thanks Ralfy, on your recommendation I bought a bottle of 10 yo Ledaig and most enjoyable and at a decent price. Excellent review as always 👍🥃

[@WhiskyMechanic]

I've been a fan of Tobermory 10 for a very long time. I am enjoying the new 12 but wasn't such a fan of Ledaig 10. I tried Port Charlotte 10 and Longrow Peated at the same time and enjoyed both of these a lot more. Nevertheless I have another bottle of Ledaig 10 coming my way. Why? Well, some people say you shouldn't judge a whisky by your first dram but I find I sometimes need a lot more than that* to come to a full realisation of a whisky's flavour. For example, I wasn't too impressed by my first bottle of Kilkerran 12 but I am enjoying my 2nd bottle much more. * I'm not an alky, honest! I have an ear disorder that I am realising that also affects my sense of taste at times.

[@outdoorsummiteer399]

Trust me with Ralfy review on this I bought one , not really a smoky or peaty fan. But if ralfy recommendation can't go wrong. Omg it's amazing , first sip for the pallet quite sharp, more u have you bond with it, very smooth , lovely warm feeling, my personal view no water needed beautiful in its own. But then again I must try. This has got to be one of best

[@oscillon]

Thank you for the recommendation! I got my bottle yesterday. Still haven’t had a chance to give it a sip.

[@edgewalker7459]

, I recently received a bottle of 11 year old virgin cask Ledaig I think it’s a limited distillery bottling one of 1000 , I am not a fan of peaty whiskies ,I have tried caol ila and talisker and did not enjoy them ,,, I don’t want to open it if I am not going to enjoy it as I think it’s an expensive bottle ? ,, or should I put it in the whisky collection and maybe go out and try a bottle standard 10 Ledaig ,,, oh to try or not to try

[@StamfordBridge]

Just about to crack open my first Ledaig. I wonder just how many of us have bought one this year thanks to Ralfy and the whisky awards.

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

Like the new jacket, hat, and if I'm not mistaken glasses! Too funny, the Dalek looks like a very ornate topper for the Ledaig!

[@timkoeshall9325]

As always an absolute delight! Cheers and best wishes for a lovely 2022!

[@pauljohn17]

I bought a bottle of this a few weeks before Christmas and have to agree it is lovely Ralphy.

[@JamesJones-mp6ie]

I've bought Ledaig 10yr on your recommendation. Wow! I'm going to buy a few more. I've only been into whisky 6 months but the islays have me hooked (don't send AA yet). This Ledaig is everything I love about nosing. Smoke, leather, matured Christmas puddings. Further more - my late grandfather's farm house, spice, citrus ect. I'm in love! It makes such a nice change from the dead gin revolution I was bored of.

[@simpleboy3457]

Ralfy you just twisted my arm to buy a bottle of this can't wait to taste it.

[@michaelgonzalez347]

Nice and neat in the both. New jacket for the year as well. Looking good our Malt Master. 🙂

[@shaun4792]

I like the way you've matched the colour of your jacket with the label of the whisky of the year.

[@pmckeown38]

Just finished my first Ledaig 10 before Christmas from your previous recommendation. May get another 1 and hide it for the future. Liking the jacket, bit like the 2020, maybe? A little bit ad hoc, for comedic effect, love it Ralfy, don't go changin'

[@Playsinvain]

There are so many wonderful things about this channel, but his time stamping of his own videos, speaks to the integrity of this all

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Great Looking Bunnet and Flannel Jacket… very stylish indeed Ralfy! I luckily bought two bottles last year and have thoroughly enjoyed this whisky 🥃 great value and will continue enjoying this along with Ardbeg 10, Port Charlotte 10 my peated favourites! Kindest regards and Happy New Year from Milano. Ciao 👋 S.

[@bigchief939]

That port charlotte is no joke. Truly a lovely drink.

[@ForTheLoveOfAudio]

My first experience with Ledaig 10 was a dartboard thow when I was at a restaurant, and wanted to try something I hadn't had before. I knew precisely nothing about them. How pleased I was after the first sip! I sought a bottle, right away. It is so distinctly, "not Islay," but holds its own in the peated malt game.

[@Andy_Holbrook332]

This is lovely whisky. Reasonably priced (until now!). Cracking review and great rant towards the end! Bit of a clash going on with the new jacket and bunnet/cap!? the cap looks a touch on the small side. Keep up the good work

[@simonray2155]

I remember trying Ledaig when Burn Stewart owned Tobermory. They weren’t particularly enthusiastic about it and neither was I. Distell really deserve credit for improving and promoting this little gem.

[@mooreandy1]

5 or 6 bottles of Ledaig 10 gets me through winter. I first chanced upon Ledaig when my wife bought me a Whisky sample pot from (wait for it) ALDI about 5 years ago. It was in a rack of 4 or 5 different Whisky sample pots and Ledaig stood out, hit me on the nose, senses and memory cells. My sub favourite being Ardbeg 5 (not 10). Always enjoy your reviews, insights and humour Ralfy.

[@davidbroughall3782]

One thing I've noticed with the several bottle of Ledaig 10 that I have bought over the years, is the the variation in color, from straw colored to as dark as the bottle in this video.

[@gregstubbings7643]

Ah Ralfy, I have found you again. It has been about 10 years since I last saw one of your youtube clips. Still as informative as always. I have remembered to subscribe and turn the notifications on this time so I don't miss any future uploads. Will have to go out and get a bottle of the Ledaig.

[@eyemallears2647]

I love Islay, i love Talisker and highland park. Surely I’m gonna love this!

[@daveandrews5485]

I bought a bottle based on your recommendation and it does not disappoint. A fabulous whisky, full of character and flavour. Thanks Ralfy.

[@jonathanyunger2073]

Glad to be with you for another year. Many more to both of us :-)

[@johnw1597]

Great way to start the new year, Ralfy! Ledaig is just one of those malts where you can just melt into the sofa on a cold night and spend some quality time enjoying a top dram! Cheers mate, and take care!

[@Svarthammarholet]

Quite the fashion-statement that jacket good Sir. Nice cap aswell.

[@jeffmill999]

I love how you did not edit out the candle adventure. Ralfy is the real deal as always...cheers

[@whamsdram]

Happy New Year! Since I first caught your channel in 2020 you have influenced my purchases especially on WOTY buying Deanston Arran and next up Ledaig - thanks Ralphy my choices are now better informed.

[@alexmil002]

Great review Ralfy. I like this jacket! I enjoyed this whisky, but it has been a bit harder to find lately where I am in Canada. Fortunately the price hasn't changed much. Fingers crossed. Happy new year and take care. Looking forward to the extras. Alex

[@orangewool]

Looking good Ralfy, looking good 😎 All the best for 2022

[@fedx5879]

Doesn't make a difference to me if the whisky is pale, I enjoy the more spirit-driven whiskies. They can be really interesting and engaging. As long as there's enough cask influence to round out any overly harsh youthful notes, I'm happy.

[@theseeker3771]

I heartily agree. I tried this for the first time over Christmas, this is a fabulous, high quality single malt... like certain other single malts used to be before the degradations in quality seen across the board over the past ten or so years.

[@davet7185]

I accept that my occasional foray into NAS territory may not be everyone's choice , but as some of us know there are a few gems out there if the other elements are in keeping with malt standards. Of course I am talking about the Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish......a bottle I bought for myself for Chrimble. It's NCF and bears are remarkable red glow of a colour and it's presented at 46.3%. Well let me tell you - it's wonderful. The nose, arrival and development are quite lovely and I guess the absence of age does slightly affect the finish but this notwithstanding, the Ledaig is a real treat. If this is the Ledaig standard then the 10 year old will surely follow ❤.

[@johntough9544]

Couldn't agree more. and great value for money too at £34

[@robclucas855]

Discovered Ledaig 10 about 3 years back when it was a "Spirits Direct" selection at the Total Wine and More store chain here in the states. Love it! But, the word is out as it is no longer on my store shelves. Often, they help make a brand so much more recognizable, they can no longer maintain the "Direct" relationship. Still have a bottle and hope to find again. Looking forward to your discussion on batches and how to distinguish. Cheers!

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Happy New Year sir! Love that Ledaig 10. Tried it on your recommendation. I'd drink this over most whiskeys. Thanks! Nice Jacket!

[@stefymarty]

I can't find this whisky anywhere! Might have to have my local retailer special order it

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Happy New Year, and orrabest! I trust your tastebuds and your integrity. Thank you.

[@danmorgan7775]

Poured a glass of Ledaig 10 to enjoy during the first trip to the bothy of 2022. It's a wonderful winter warmer for over here in Canada.

[@dano4700]

Thanks for all the knowledge you share Ralfy. Much appreciated. Bought a bottle $93 Australian (Everything is expensive here). Cheers👍🇦🇺

[@owenmccord5078]

Congratulations on over 12 years! Would love to hear a few single malt recommendations for Burns Night. Thanks in advance.

[@alejandrochavez6084]

Thank you for your fabulous reviews Ralfy! Happy New Year sir!

[@argytar]

Hey Ralfy! Excellent recommendation! Tried it myself and reminded me of Ardbeg An Oa or Port Charlotte Heavily peated 10. Very tasty. A nice spin on the Islay theme! Slainte!

[@elvirsahinovic7200]

Wish to see more fire it got so cozy Ralfy,!Exelent video man

[@oliverbauer7774]

Happy New Year Ralfy! Thank You for this recommandation! I will buy a bottle soon.

[@grifini27]

Can't decide between this and arran 10 for my next purchase! Love the jacket I have a very similar shirt! Happy New year Ralfy!

[@DileepB]

After listening to Ralfy reviews, i bought both! I like the Arran 10 too, but slightly less than Ledaig 10. Good value and easy to find in the US.

[@grifini27]

@@DileepB must admit I'm leaning more to the Ledaig, I'm sure I'll get both eventually!

[@maxwong6222]

Get both! 😁

[@frankmarek3656]

Ralfy, I found this whisky in a small "airline" bottle and had to try it. Very diffrom the sweeter whiskies that I usually get but I did like it a lot! I wouldn't normally comment, but thought you might be interested in one of the tasting notes I picked up. I found Okra particularly in the aftertaste. Or, at least that is how a vegetal character came across to me. As a novice, I really appreciate your vlogs and learning about whisky from you.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to share the malt-moments.

[@bike_practicer3677]

This an amazing malt, the amount of sweetness is unexpected and welcome, a drop of water in this one sends one to the moon! Another great Ralfy Recommends!

[@sashidemedia]

Happy new year Ralfy !

[@deccyboi4218]

Thanks to you I went to Tobermory and visited the distillery. Ended up buying a cask strength, distillery aged, hand bottled ledaig 10 after tasting it at the warehouse!!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . good option.

[@SirPrancelot1]

Great information. Let us hope that a lot of people report profiteers to the distillery and distributors so that they can direct their precious product to decent retailers.

[@Yong_Goh]

Am liking the new jacket!

[@iancrombie8862]

My latest bottle looks a bit pale...not as good as 2 years ago..still quite good..but wheres that lovely pine note?😥

[@kidsfriends8269]

Ralfy is natural color no chill filtered and that’s what it says on the label. An integrity presentation.

[@rafarutka4823]

Hello Happy New 2022 Year, long time without your vlog 😁, here in Poland is more dificult ro find Ledaig but fortunatelly I have one, opend but stil there is something in the botle firom copule of months 🙂 Pozdrawiam Rafał

[@lightplays2181]

Happy New Yaer !!! Ralfy i wish you all the best !!!

[@ZhuJo99]

As a non whisky drinker this one I have tasted on visit to my friend caught my attention to look into world of whisky. All previous I have tasted never tasted to me. Flat, soapy, without any deepness and play. But this one, hell yeah.

[@finlaymacdonald6330]

Regarding retailer ^^ pricing.. I found the opposite this year. Ledaig 18yo was £10 cheaper in Luvians Cupar than it was at the distillery when I visited in July. Not all retailers are the same!

[@damiangaleski]

Hi, I recently got that one! It's my first Peated whisky and I love it 😁 Greetings from Poland

[@leojanuszewski1019]

Hail Polska'!

[@melissa7867]

Happy New Year! Love the jacket and the review! Cheers!🥃😊

[@3D76-k9u]

Great jacket! Happy new year

[@nathanashmore8365]

Thank you Ralfy!

[@lyness1217]

Love the new jacket Ralfy

[@HappyBonz4109]

Bought my first bottle of this last month. A great dram.

[@philipskipitaris6824]

over nine hundred reviews! Congrats ralfy.

[@zavenzakarian4527]

Happy New Year Ralfy. All the best in health, and why not in a bit wealth too !! Looking forward to another year of wonderful reviews! cheers!

[@stevengallery5561]

Discovered ledaig 2yrs ago and it's has been my favourite malt ever since. Currently on my 3rd bottle but this one has been a struggle and doubt I'll even finish it! It tastes so much different from the previous 2 and has got progressively worse further down the bottle. It has that chemical, Talisker type cleaning product note which wasn't present in the previous bottles!!😕

[@carlubambi5541]

Good to see you again .Not a fan of peaty scotch but it does pair well when you are grilling meats out doors ,lamb chops and steaks and sausages !! Especially after a good pheasant hunt and grilling pheasants on a wood fire !

[@ancienttartan3509]

Ledaig 10 was very hard for me to get here in the states. I had to go to the largest liquor store in my state and have them order it for me. They got it in only 2 days, which made me ask in my head...if it only took that long, then why the hell wasn't it stocked on the shelf in the first place? Anyways, I loved the flavors and the long finish. It had a smokey, leather, apple, and grilled pineapple flavor. It's the only Scotch I've ever had that is very similar to Talisker 10 in terms of flavor notes. Anyways, the sad ending to my story is that I also tried to order Springbank 10 from that liquor store, and they said that the sell of it has been discontinued in my entire state. How sad! I'll never get to try it.

[@rev40oz]

I just don't connect with this dram. Tried a bottle over a few months and it just didn't ring true for me. Not bad by any measure, but for the price not going to get another. Still, thanks for the great content and contribution to our single malt experience 🥃

[@jasrfjr]

Happy New Year Ralfy. Looking forward to a new year full of your videos!

[@chrisnolan7627]

Great review and great whisky! I work in independent wine and spirits retail and neither us, or any other shop we personally know would put the price up on a bottle due to it getting positive reviews. I don't involved in the 'allocation only' market as it is genuinely horrible. Nobody wins apart from the auction sites and the hoarders, (and of course the distilleries who get more attention and probably have more stock than they admit to). I've had collectors, not customers, being incredibly rude and aggressive in the past when we have had certain allocations of rare products come in and they haven't been able to buy more than one bottle or its sold out before they've got one. The rare spirits market, especially the Antique collection from Buffalo Trace, brings out the worst in people and I won't have anything to do with it anymore.