Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 700ml

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If we decide not to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms, such decision shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Very few people can claim to have spent literally their whole life in the whisky industry, but John L S Grant of Glenfarclas comes very close. Born in 1951, he spent his childhood at Glenfarclas House, where he still lives to this day. Following his school years at Gordonstoun, he joined the Bank of Scotland for three years then worked for Wm Teachers Ltd for a further three years. In 1974, John joined the family business – an astonishing 47 years ago. In the early days, John learned the ropes across the business and then focussed his energy on introducing Glenfarclas to international markets, at a time when the sale of single malt was practised by only a small number of brands. He was officially named managing director in 1979, 114 years after his great-great-grandfather first bought Glenfarclas as part of Rechlerich farm. Over the next decades, alongside his father as chairman, John oversaw massive changes to the business – they went from a farming family with a distillery that sold mostly whisky for blending to the producers of a world-renowned single malt. Tobermory is a small place and most people who visit the town will walk along the main street beside the iconic, multi-coloured facades, and consider that the entirety of Tobermory. There are houses arranged up on the hill, bed and breakfasts, hotels and a few businesses, but the majority of interesting stuff is crammed into this one thin strip between a towering cliff face and the Sound of Mull.

Each and every Member must be of legal drinking age in its country of residence to be allowed to use the Service. If no such law exists in a Member’s country of residence, the Member has to be over 21 years old to use the Service. We have the right to ask you to provide proof of your age and/or to provide further identification to prevent underage usage and/or for any other legal or legitimate purpose. By using the Service, and by creating an account you represent, warrant and confirm that you are of legal age. Alas, none of the various salvage attempts made over the past 400-odd years has turned up more than a couple of brass cannons and a “great iron gun” – which sounds impressive, if not valuable. Light start - quite even keeled. There’s a bit of oak and peat - earthy and slightly vegetal. A small sour edge with simple syrup. Spice, Plasticine and tropical concentrate. The new-make farm character appears on the palate too. Really tasty.

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On the nose: Fruit tarts with a pleasant, worty sweetness. Maybe it’s because I knew that it was finished in Rioja casks, but there were definite cherry and plum aromas with a feinty-leathery underbelly you’d expect from a Gran Reserva. The smoke and spice – which are hard to get hold of – are subdued under the weight of the fruit. Inspired by the Spanish galleon which sank off the harbour of Tobermory more than 400 years ago. Believed to have been laden with jewels, we have finished our smoky Ledaig signature expression in hand selected Rioja casks in honour of the Spanish treasure buried deep off our shoreline. While it might be the most familiar name, the unique distillery is actually one of the world’s best. Previously, the distillery mainly produced whisky for blends, however, in recent years, Glenallachie has undergone some serious changes, introducing several fruity, single-malt expressions like the 12-year we’ve selected here. It’s hard to find fault in a whisky this smooth, buttery, and rich. If we had to point the finger at something it’s not particularly fresh on the nose, but that comes with the turf.

A week later - first sip is chlorinated water, grapefruit, sweet kiwi fruit and there’s a vegetal note. Big smoke. This non-chill filtered dram is raw and punchy for the palates that demand a proper spanking. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, we’d look at a sherry cask.Without prejudice to the section Liability below, the Service may be temporarily unavailable during maintenance, updates, etc. We shall make reasonable efforts to inform you of any unavailability due to maintenance or updates. We may sell, license, transfer, assign or in any other way dispose of the Service (including Members) to any third party without any notification to you, e.g. (but without limitation) in connection with any reorganization, restructuring, merger or sale, or other transfer of assets.

For a taste of classic Speyside Scotch, look no further than Glen Moray 18 Year Old. Located in one of Scotland’s oldest towns, the distillery has been crafting quality single malts on the banks of the River Lossie for over 120 years. Passion is fundamental to the operation and the resulting whisky imparts an impeccable sense of balance and consistency. The Sinclair Series pays homage to our Founder, John Sinclair, with a number of delicious whiskies handcrafted at our distillery. This Ledaig Rioja Finish is the first release in this series. Made with heavily peated barley before being matured in ex-bourbon casks, and finished in hand selected Spanish Rioja casks, this single malt contains powerful flavours of smoke, spice, grape and sweet berries with a lingering saltiness.No partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship is created as a result of your use of the Service. Surprisingly thin on the first swish leaving a mild TCP tang on the tongue. Fortunately each further sip brings a little something extra to the party from burnt marzipan to salted pork chops. While it certainly brings a variety of associations in the mind, none really squeeze the taste buds hostage. The finish ends on a high with a savoury vegetal smoke: think of putting a cabbage patch fire out with a jar of Marmite. That last one is a positive in my book. Despite a colourful history marked by closures, financial troubles and even a change of name, today Tobermory is a thriving, expressive and unique distillery, true to its idyllic location on the Hebridean island of Mull.