Ledaig 13 Year Old 2005 - Single & Single vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

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

Ledaig 13 Year Old 2005 - Single & SingleThe Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
DistilleryTobermoryThe Lakes Distillery
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.1%52%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£138.95£84.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ledaig 13 Year Old 2005 - Single & Single

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value36/100

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

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

Ledaig 13 Year Old 2005 - Single & Single

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £139.

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

Ledaig 13 Year Old 2005 - Single & Single

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£138.95 vs £84.95)

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £138.95)
  • +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 13 Year Old 2005 - Single & Single 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

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Ledaig 13 Year Old 2005 - Single & Single

SmokeyDried FruitLeathery

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

VanillaToastedHoney

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