Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:29 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the head-to-head comparison of Ledaig 10 vs Ledaig 18 to decide which Single Malt suits you better!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Ledaig 10 vs Ledaig 18: Comparison
Ledaig 10: Offers a balanced mix of smoke, sweetness, and medicinal notes. Medium to long finish with smoke and salt. Approachable for peat newcomers.
Ledaig 18: Bold smoky character with nuances of peat, spice, and coffee. Long finish with smoke and licorice. Complex and captivating for peat enthusiasts.
Verdict: Both Ledaig 10 and Ledaig 18 showcase the depth and variety of peated Scotch whiskies, offering different levels of complexity and smokiness suited to a wide range of whisky drinkers, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 18-Year-Old Whisky Best Picks
Ledaig 10: A Balanced Single Malt with Approachable Smoke
- Nose: Smoke, wax polish, pine oil, walnut
- Palate: Smoke, menthol, dried fruit, vanilla
- Finish: Salt, smoke, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Talisker 10
Ledaig 10 is a 10-year-old single malt Scotch whisky known for its intriguing balance of smoke, sweetness, and medicinal notes. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, it offers a moderately smoky taste profile characteristic of peaty whiskies while remaining approachable for new peat enthusiasts.
Aromatic Profile:
- Smoky: Smoke, wax polish, pine oil
- Hints of: Sweetness, medicinal notes
Creamy and Complex:
The palate features a creamy mouthfeel followed by bold smoke, transitioning to subtle sweetness, dried fruit, and vanilla.
Lingering Finish:
The medium to long finish leaves notes of lingering smoke, medicinal character, minerals, and a touch of oak spice.
Enjoyable and Award-Winning:
Ledaig 10 is praised for its complexity and balance, making it an enjoyable dram for both experienced whisky drinkers and those new to peated expressions. It has even garnered recognition, winning Double Gold at the SF World Spirits Competition 2013 and scoring 90-95 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Ledaig 10: The Facts
- Aged 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
- Award-winning: Double Gold at the SF World Spirits Competition 2013, 90-95 points from Wine Enthusiast.
- Unfiltered and naturally colored for authentic flavor.
- Great introduction to smoky malts: Offers approachable smoke for peat whisky newcomers.
Ledaig 18: A Captivating Single Malt with Smoky Depth
- Nose: Smoked bacon, sherried peat, sea spray, oak
- Palate: Baking spice, peat, rubber, tobacco, coffee
- Finish: Smoke, licorice, mineral
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Highland Park 18
Ledaig 18 is an 18-year-old single malt Scotch whisky known for its bold, smoky character. It’s matured in bourbon barrels initially, then finished in sherry casks, contributing unique layers of flavor.
Intriguing Aroma:
- Smoky: Smoked bacon, sherried peat, sea spray
- Rich: Oak, baking spice
Full-Bodied Palate:
- Oily texture: Hints of rubber and tobacco alongside peat, baking spice, and burnt coffee notes
- Mineral depth: Licorice lingers with the smoke on the finish
Surprisingly Smooth:
Despite its complex flavors, Ledaig 18 boasts a smooth and easy drinking experience with minimal heat.
A Peaty Delight:
This expression is a captivating exploration of peat, offering a unique smoky character appreciated by peat enthusiasts. While it features bold flavors, Ledaig 18 remains approachable for those new to peated whiskies, allowing them to discover the complexity of this style.
Ledaig 18: The Facts
- Aged 18 years in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in sherry casks.
- Limited release: Only 500 cases available in the U.S.
- Unfiltered and naturally colored for authentic taste.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Ledaig 10 | $65 |
| Ledaig 18 | $153 |