Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
DistilleryTobermoryThe Lakes Distillery
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.7%52%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£89.95£84.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value59/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £90.

For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.95 vs £84.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £89.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy The?

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SherriedVanillaToastedHoney

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