Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46.3% ABV (92.6 proof) | No age statement | Heavily peated single malt | Rioja wine cask finish | Isle of Mull, Scotland — Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish is the first release in Tobermory Distillery's tribute to founder John Sinclair: heavily peated Ledaig spirit matured in ex-bourbon casks, then finished in hand-selected Spanish Rioja wine casks. Inspired by the Spanish galleon that sank off Tobermory Bay some 400 years ago. Non-chill filtered, natural colour. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Ledaig (pronounced "led-chig") is the smoky alter ego of Tobermory — the same Isle of Mull distillery, a heavily peated spirit — and the Rioja finish pours it a striking ruby-red. Turkish delight, rose petals, and candied fruit over rich leather and peppery spice on the nose; almonds, barley, and sweet malt giving way to black raspberries, vanilla, cocoa, and cinnamon on the creamy palate; a lingering smoky finish of red fruit and sea spray. Silver, 92 pts, IWSC 2022. Among peated single malts, a Rioja-cask-finished island malt at this price is serious value.
Tasting notes
Nose: Turkish delight, rose petals, candied fruits, grapes, rich leather, peppery spice, hint of chocolate. Palate: creamy; almonds, barley, sweet malt, black raspberries, vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, freshly cut grass. Finish: lingering smoke, red fruit, sea spray. (Official producer notes; 92 pts IWSC 2022.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 46.3% ABV (92.6 proof) — heavily peated, non-chill filtered, natural colour
- Ex-bourbon matured, finished in hand-selected Rioja wine casks
- First release of the John Sinclair tribute series
- Silver medal, 92 points — IWSC 2022
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a Glencairn — the Rioja fruit and peat smoke both reward patience.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ledaig?
The heavily peated single malt from Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull (pronounced "led-chig").
Does it have an age statement?
No — it's a no-age-statement release. (One distributor sheet says "21yo" — a confirmed error; do not repeat.)
What does the Rioja cask add?
Red-fruit depth, ruby colour, and wine-cask spice over the peat smoke.
What is the Sinclair Series?
A tribute series to John Sinclair, the kelp merchant who founded the distillery site in 1797–98.