Limited edition Tobermory Ledaig 1996 released

Tobermory Distillery has announced the release of Ledaig 1996, a limited edition vintage single malt Scotch whisky.

The 20-year-old single malt has been created from some of the first spirit distilled, when peated single malt production started at the Isle of Mull site in 1996.

With a distinct Hebridean style, the malt is packed with an intense and smoky flavour and has been produced from peat-dried malted barley, married with naturally peat infused water from the distillery’s own private water source – a dark aromatic lochan in the mountains above Tobermory.

Left to mature in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, the vintage single malt has scents of apple and a hint of mint with citrus aromas, followed by a crackling peat flavour, which bursts in to a light sherry sweetness before a smooth, spicy salty tail disappears in to a smoky finale.

Alison Gibb, global marketing manager - malts portfolio at brand owner Distell, says: “True to its heritage, Ledaig 1996 is a traditional, un-chill filtered malt ensuring our whisky lovers enjoy an authentic spirit on the palette. This wonderfully peated single malt from our Tobermory Distillery reflects the rich past of what is one of the oldest commercial distilleries still in operation.

 “It is exciting to be able to announce the release of the first batch of this fine, Hebridean whisky, which reinforces our commitment to our customers around the world to continue to produce innovative, quality single malts.”

Tobermory produces two distinct single malts during the year. Its namesake, an unpeated whisky is produced for six months with the remainder of the year used to create its peated counterpart, Ledaig.

Ledaig 1996 will be available in the UK and across select international territories, as well as global travel retail. The packaging has been influenced by the Spanish Oloroso casks encasing the malt in a rich, dark brown wooden box. Ledaig 1996 has an ABV of 46.3% ABV and an RRP of £120.

19 February 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor