For the first time in a while, the Wee Drammers had 100% attendance as we gathered at Bob B. to sample another two of Scotland’s finest , share stories of travel and plans for the summer and to celebrate the end of what has been a wet and cold past few months.
As usual, Bob’s selections were well received by the group (have we ever rejected a dram) who also appreciated the selection of appies accompanying the whisky.
First up was the Ledaig 10 year old out of Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull. Described as a superbly smoky single malt, Ledaig was not unfamiliar to the group, being a ‘go to’ dram for some. Ledaig is viewed as a relative newcomer to Scotland’s whisky inventory, arriving on the scene in 2007. Yet its history goes back to 1798 when John Sinclair established the Ledaig distillery on the Isle of Mull. Through numerous owners and surviving the ups and downs of the industry with closures and reincarnations abounding, the site was ‘saved’ in 1993 when Burn Stewart Distillers stepped in. Distilled using the same pot stills as the classic unpeated Tobermory expression, just with peated barley instead, the whisky boasts plumes of rich, earthy, almost medicinal smoke, with underlying fresh fruit and crushed spice notes. This particular expression ages for 10 years before bottled at the very specific strength of 46.3% ABV.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose: Quite light and well-balanced. There is a very soft peat with a gentle smoke. Notes of barley and malt extract, with walnut and pine oil and a hint of iodine, dried fruit and nuts.
- Palate: Medium-bodied and quite rich. There are notes of spice and smoke gathering above the charred oak. The peat is quiet and dry with a touch of black pepper and earth.
- Finish: Medium-length and slightly smoky with spice.
A fine dram available on the island for roughly $100
John Glasser, an American working in London, started Compass Box in 2000. 
The company website described Compass box as “An inventive company, it is based on the long-lost model of the Scotch whisky blending house, but with a forward-looking approach and an unrelenting desire to create deliciousness.
Compass Box has grown over the years and now has two dedicated Blending Rooms in London.”
Orchard House is nothing if not complex! The origins of Orchard House began in 2018. Described as a “spirit-forward, fruity style” with the vanilla pastry cream, light oak character that you get from American oak allowing each spirit’s distillery character to evolve over time. 90% of the whisky is matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. Orchard House is the first release from the bottler to be wholly made with whiskies that were laid down and entirely matured by Glaser and the team. The core is made up of “perfumed, what the industry calls waxy” Clynelish and fruity Linkwood. Benrinnes comes in as a hefty support, “adding a bit of weight”. There’s also a decent percentage from a distillery in the town of Aberlour – he’s not allowed to say exactly which distillery, but it is completely sherried, and described by Glaser as ‘meaty’, so you can probably work it out. There’s also a minimal amount (just 2%) of Caol Ila bringing a smoky depth to an otherwise very bright, fresh spirit.
Masters of Malt describe the whisky this way. “We can see this being a brilliant whisky to introduce people to the spirit, as it’s approachable while still packing in a lot of flavour – though that’s not to say seasoned sippers won’t enjoy it too. Unsurprisingly, given its orchard-forward flavour profile, it’s apparently a wonder with cheese.”
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose: Fresh green and red apples almost hit you in the face, living up to its name. Underneath there are notes of grainy pear skin, bright lychee, and a faint hint of aromatic smoke.
- Palate: Sweet and bright. Tart apple is balanced by pineapple, golden syrup, buttery pastry, with that subtle peat smoke appearing underneath.
- Finish: Creamier on the finish, with vanilla buttercream and fresh fruit lingering.
An interesting dram coming in at roughly $100.00
Another fun evening is in the books. Well done Bob!
write-up by Ron Windrim
