Ledaig 18 yo 1972 James MacArthur 54.4%

Its no lie to say 1972 was a very good year for Scotch or that 1972 Ledaig can give 70s Islay a run for its money. This whisky immediately recalls 70s Caol Ila style precision and clarity. Except where Caol Ila has both feet in the sea, this Ledaig, owing to a different peat source, seems to have rather one foot firmly in rich loamy earth. But otherwise, stylistically similar: A gargantuan peat that’s been deconstructed and refocused into its essential aspects with clarity and laser sharpness, but losing its volume and complexity. Crystalline renderings of tar and petrochemical haze, dry loam and shaved roots, not oily and splashing but sharply acid and singular. Essence of gentian leaf, menthol, juniper, lemon zest and bark, together tangy and stinging. Medicinal clove ointment and salt sting, but also avoids being overtly maritime. White smoke, sharp and cutting again, and hot coals bringing beaten metal pans to a pyrolytic sear. 93 pts Also in a better condition than the mini version.