31/05/2019 When in Tobermory, do as the Tobermorians do MkII

Ledaig 6yo d.1972 (70° Proof, Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur's Choice, b. late 1970s): we had this yesterday. It is the same fragile mix of soot and fruit on the nose, and follows with a consistent mouth and a fruity finish that seems to pack more punch than yesterday. Still an amazing dram. 9/10

Ledaig 42yo 1972/2015 Dùsgadh (46.7%, OB, Oloroso Sherry Casks Finish, 500b): yup, another sample from the distillery. The very last sample, in fact. The oldest Ledaig ever bottled, and from the same distillation year as the above. Virtually sister casks, bottled thirty-six years apart. How interesting is that? Nose: impressively deep, it has furniture polish, dark honey and the wood-panelled smoking room of a gentlemen's club. Next are candied honeysuckle and pollen. Next to those soft touches, it also has old rope, damp hessian, polished soft leather, warm soil and fortified wine, in the distance (more Manzanilla than Oloroso, mind). Mouth: mellow and honey-like, it still tickles one's tastebuds with cigar leaves, cigar ashes and the wooden frame of an open fireplace. Next in line is caramelised apricot, honey-glazed caramelised apricot, honey-glazed, overripe quince slices, wood smoke -- rhaaaa! I love it. Wood smoke, coal smoke, even. None of that petrol malarkey; only old-school goodness. Finish: similar here, with several  types of honey on smoked fruit and ash, refined cigar notes, wood panels and caramelised cassia bark. The second sip brings more fruit, verging on tropical, fresh and enticing (mango, dragon fruit, snakehead fruit). Amazeboulanger! It has an indistinct-but-long-lasting bitter, woody tone that I will use as an excuse to avoid top score, but that might very well be this dram's only flaw. I remember finding it extravagant, when it was released, both in terms of price and presentation (the copper used to ornate the case and the bottle supposedly come from the dismantled old stills), but after tasting it, I can see why they gave it such special treatment. It is special alright! 9/10 (Thanks for the dram, JS)

Family portrait: Ledaig 6yo d.1972, Tobermory 42yo
and Ledaig 42yo d.1972 in front of the distillery