Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish

Profile: The Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish at a glance

• The first edition of Tobermory’s new Sinclair Series
• Named after the founder of the Tobermory Distillery: John Sinclair
• Matured in ex-Bourbon casks, then finished for 18 months in Rioja wine casks

Portrait: What makes the Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish special

On the Scottish Isle of Mull, time moves a little differently. Perhaps it is due to the fresh sea air, perhaps the rain, or simply the fact that, for centuries, the people there have known exactly how to craft fine whisky. One man who recognized this early on was John Sinclair. As early as 1798, he founded the Tobermory Distillery - thereby laying the cornerstone for one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Presumably, he would never have imagined back then that his name would one day grace a modern whisky series. Then again: anyone bold enough to found a distillery on a Hebridean island is surely entitled to be something of a visionary.

The smoky side of Tobermory Distillery goes by the name Ledaig. Incidentally, it is pronounced "Led-chig" - which, on the first attempt, often sounds as if you were trying to drink whisky and speak Gaelic at the very same time. The name is derived from Gaelic and refers to the original designation for the area surrounding the distillery.

With the "Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish," Ledaig is now launching a new range that pays tribute to John Sinclair and the history of the distillery. For this inaugural bottling, the single malt was allowed to mature first in the classic style, in ex-bourbon casks, before undergoing an 18-month finishing period in ex-Spanish Rioja wine casks. Thus, Scotland meets Spain - in a sense - for a cultural exchange; though one that is far more relaxed than an official state visit.

Indeed, the Sinclair Series is entirely dedicated to the spirit of tradition and discovery. It marries the island distillery’s long history with modern cask concepts, demonstrating in the process that whisky can be truly cosmopolitan.

And while outside on Mull, wind and waves crash against the coast, Ledaig proves once again that good stories sometimes emerge in places where the weather is more of a challenge than an invitation.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish tastes like

• Nose: Initially, notes of Turkish delight and spicy forest honey; these are followed by aromas of freshly ground black pepper and polished leather, all overlaid with dark chocolate, candied ginger, and fruit.
• Palate: Soft - almost creamy - with a full mouthfeel. The chocolate and honey reappear, followed by distinct smoke and spicy notes of cinnamon and cardamom, with red fruits lingering in the background.
• Finish: Long-lasting. Fruity notes come to the fore, accompanying robust smoke and hints of seaweed and salted caramel.