Chinese language bottler Oxhead Whisky despatched us their newest releases. One is a Ledaig 2002 – a reputation they’ve launched a number of occasions earlier than. That is a part of the Spirit Drugs sequence. I actually just like the type of the label: it does genuinely really feel like a short lived apothecary label from the previous.

Nonetheless we begin this session with a 25 12 months previous Ben Nevis 1998.

Ben Nevis 25 yo 1998 (48,7%, Oxhead Whisky & Vinehoo 2023, hogshead #757)

Nostril: the same old sunflower oils, with hints of putty and citrus. Lemon peels and inexperienced banana, blended with pine needles. Then hints of damp clay, grease and wool. Some grassy notes and dried herbs too. Whereas somewhat traditional when it comes to aromas, it does really feel a bit of restrained.

Mouth: identical waxiness with spherical lemons and many mineral notes. Extra putty, hints of moist stones and ink. A light dirtiness. Chalky notes, leafy notes, a touch of bitter almond. It misses many of the fruity notes that we wish to see right here although, particularly the tropical notes of the 1995/1996 vintages.

End: lengthy, chalky and lemony, with loads of leafy notes.

Certainly not a foul whisky, however this one focuses totally on the leafy, greasy and barely soiled aspect of Ben Nevis, dropping a little bit of brightness and pleasure alongside the best way. It additionally lacks the good fruits of the very best vintages.

Ledaig 21 yo 2002 (48,5%, Oxhead Whisky ‘Spirit Drugs’ 2024, sherry hogshead #961)

Nostril: sooty smoke, bonfire embers and ink, with beneficiant farmyard notes. Then sheep wool, hints of contemporary oysters and bread. Some roasted peanuts and gentle antiseptics within the background. Textbook Ledaig.

Mouth: a pleasant fatty texture. Tarry ropes, hessian and dried kelp. Dry peat smoke beneath. Then some salty liquorice, aniseed and burnt toast. A mixture of salted peanuts and lemon as nicely. Delicate melon sweetness within the background.

End: lengthy, maritime, with extra tar but additionally a candy smokiness. Smoked tea and hints of chocolate.

The mix of hearty smoke and sweetness brings this near Lagavulin at occasions. Highly effective and drinkable on the identical time, simply not extraordinarily advanced. Undecided the place you will get this – their web site appears to be down as nicely. Rating: 88/100