Ledaig 2006 ElD (Elixir) (55.6%)

This Ledaig was bottled by Elixir Distillers, a 19 year old from 2006, drawn from cask 1 and bottled at 55.6%. A release of 636 bottles. Made on the Isle of Mull, Ledaig is the heavily peated malt of the island's only distillery. Water comes from the Gearr Abhainn, a private hill loch above the town of Tobermory.

The spirit was made in the kinked copper stills from peated barley, for a smoky, tarry make with a sweet core. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the peat lead. Beyond twenty years the smoke turns gentle and sweet, soot and brine over deep fruit and wax. Active casks frame the smoke without smothering the fruit beneath. Both malts feed the Scottish Leader and Black Bottle blends as well as single malt. The distillery was refurbished and its stills renewed between 2017 and 2019. Mull's maritime climate works into the maturing casks over the years.

At its natural 55.6% it is concentrated. Peat, iodine and a fruity sweetness, and honeyed vanilla comes through from the ex-Bourbon. A sweet fruit and a medicinal note sit under the smoke. A long, peaty finish smoulders to the end. This is the smoky side of Tobermory distillery.