LEDAIG - Sinclair Series - Rioja Cask Finish - 46.3% ABV
The Tobermory Distillery is located on the picturesque Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland. Founded in 1798, it remains the only active whisky distillery on this island and is among the oldest commercial Scottish distilleries still in operation. In 1797, John Sinclair, a merchant specializing in kelp collection, applied for a lease of 57 acres in the area called Ledaig to establish housing and a distillery. His request was denied, receiving only permission to build a brewery. Determined and visionary, Sinclair persevered: one year later, the Ledaig distillery was established. The 1930s were difficult, with the Great Depression and Prohibition in the United States drastically reducing whisky demand. The distillery was therefore shut down for 41 years. It reopened in 1993, purchased by Burn Stewart Distillers, before becoming property of Distell in 2013. Today, the distillery produces notably a Tobermory Gin as well as two emblematic Single Malts: a non-peated Tobermory and an intensely peated Ledaig. Although these two whiskies share equipment, stills, washbacks, mash tuns, and pure local water, their character is completely distinct thanks to the difference in malted barley used.
The Sinclair Series celebrates the heritage of founder John Sinclair. This first release, a Ledaig Rioja finish, is inspired by the Spanish galleon that sank over 400 years ago off the port of Tobermory. This whisky is made from the classic heavily peated Ledaig, initially matured in bourbon casks, then carefully finished in rigorously selected Spanish Rioja casks, bringing exceptional richness and aromatic complexity.
Peated (30-40 ppm)