Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish (75cl, 46.3%)

This is a heavily peated single malt from Ledaig, the smoky style made at Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull. It is the first release in a series honouring John Sinclair, who founded the distillery site, and it carries no age statement. The spirit was matured in ex-bourbon casks, then finished in hand-selected Spanish Rioja wine casks. The idea draws on the Spanish galleon said to have sunk in Tobermory Bay around 400 years ago. It is bottled at 46.3% ABV, non-chill filtered and of natural colour. The nose offers Turkish delight, rose petals, candied fruit and leather. On the creamy palate come almonds, sweet malt, black raspberries, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon, then a lingering smoky finish of red fruit and sea spray.