You know you’re no longer young when a “well-aged” whisky is made close to, or after your birth year.

I recently found myself returning to the comforting embrace of Samsu Huay Kuan (三蒸會館), a snug specialty spirits bar sitting in a quiet corner of Concorde Hotel Singapore. I like this place because it offers a quiet setting amid the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road, a space with good spirits and where the chatter is subdued enough to allow for light conversation.

Word around town was that they had recently introduced a fresh line-up of bottles from Blackadder – a well-known Scotch whisky independent bottler that focuses on unfiltered single cask whiskies. For those unfamiliar, the owner of the bar is Interco-MLE which is also the official distributor for Blackadder in Singapore. As a whisky enthusiast, I felt it was almost my duty to give them a try.

Located by Tobermory Bay with a vista of brightly painted houses, the Tobermory Distillery was founded in 1798 on the Isle of Mull off the Scottish mainland. The name Tobermory is more widely recognised for its signature unpeated Tobermory single malt. But indie bottlers and those inclined towards a smokier profile are well familiar with their peaty distillate called Ledaig (pronounced “lad-chig”). Typical Ledaig tends to present a smoky, slightly maritime character and yet hold onto the fruitier tones typical of Tobermory.

Now, onto the whisky in question — the 24-year-old Ledaig, matured in a single hogshead and bottled by Blackadder.

Let's dive in together.

1997 Ledaig from Tobermory, 24 Years Old Single Malt, Blackadder Statement Edition, 58.2% ABV – Review

Colour: Pale gold.

Nose: A burst of fresh sweetness hits straight away, carrying notes apples and other orchard fruits. Honey and some hints of aromatic smoke grounding the profile. There’s also a hammy funk; it distinctly brings to mind the saltiness and mild funkiness of aged parma ham, just interlacing with the fruitiness in a most harmonious way.

Palate: Opens with a distinct waxy note paired with a mild mineral undertone, setting the stage for what feels like a journey. Sweetness is at the forefront here with honey and brown sugar, and even the bright and refined sweetness of cotton candy. Light appley notes persist. There’s also a faint industrial aroma reminiscent of aviation fuel adding an interesting depth.

Finish: A pleasant spiciness peaks towards the end, a spiciness that is neither too overpowering nor too mellow. There are some apples, vanilla, some creaminess, but complimented by that consistent undertone of aviation fuel notes.

My Thoughts:

🥩 Meaty!

I genuinely enjoy this Scotch, especially for its parma ham notes. I’m talking about that meaty, briny character here that brings to mind other favourites like Craigellachie and some Springbank releases. The peatiness is really very mild to me, lending a smoky aroma that  grounds the backdrop to the brighter, fruitier tones. Worth a sip, especially if you're into ‘meaty’ Scotch whisky.

@CharsiuCharlie