Safe Haven (Ledaig) 2014/2023 - 8 yo - Justinos Madeira Cask Finish - Murray McDavid

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 50% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

The Madeira finish brings a fruity counterpoint to this heavily peated Ledaig. After maturing in a bourbon hogshead, the whisky spent its final 18 months in first-fill casks from Justino’s Madeira, a fortified wine. Murray McDavid bottled the single malt, distilled in 2014, in spring 2023 at eight years old and 50%. The Mystery Malt series release comprises 2,303 bottles.

Smoke and an oily texture remain noticeable alongside the fruit notes. Ledaig was the original name of the distillery founded in Tobermory in 1798 and means “Safe Haven”; the bottling’s name thus refers to its origins. The whisky is not chill-filtered and contains no added colouring.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, mango, kiwi and pineapple meet the scent of a barbecue on the beach and oak.
• Palate: The whisky feels oily on the palate, where sweet smoke combines with toffee and juicy apple notes.
• Finish: On the finish, impressions of warm embers and lavender mingle with nectarine and pineapple.

Distillery/Bottler:

Founded in 1798, Tobermory Distillery is located on the Isle of Mull and produces two styles of single malt: unpeated Tobermory and peated Ledaig. It uses water from the Gearr Abhainn stream for both. The smoky Ledaig forms the basis of this Safe Haven release.

Murray McDavid is an independent bottler founded in 1994. Further maturation of selected whiskies in wine casks and other casks is a focus of its work. For Safe Haven, Murray McDavid chose a finish in casks from its Madeira partner Justino’s and then bottled the whisky.

Facts: