Cask Le Sens #9 x The Alcohol Bar Taiwan Ledaig 2010, 16yo

As a distinguished cask broker specializing in premium whiskies and rums for independent bottlers and whisky enthusiasts, Cask Le Sens curates exceptional releases featuring rare and aged expressions.

The story of this collaboration began at the Whisky Fest Takao 2022— the first time both parties actually met in person. Over the last few years of sharing drams and exchanging ideas, we realized that our approach to cask selection and our palates were pretty much aligned.

This year comes with the perfect milestone- it just happens to be Cask Le Sens’ 5th anniversary, and the 10th anniversary of Keelung’s ultimate whisky landmark, The Alcohol Bar. To celebrate this special moment, we felt nothing could be more ideal than choosing a peated, smoky Tobermory (Ledaig).

Anyone who has been to the Isle of Mull in Scotland will definitely have a deep impression of that row of waterfront colourful houses in Tobermory. This scenery instantly reminds us of the Zhengbin Fishing Port Colourful Houses in Keelung. Both are coastal fishing villages framed by vibrant, colourful buildings. The air is thick with the scent of oyster shells, brine, and the open sea. That salty island sea breeze, mixed with the faint, smoky diesel odour of old fishing boats and harbour mist, shares the same identity whether in Scotland or Keelung. Two small towns thousands of miles apart have miraculously crossed paths through a shared maritime and smoky soul.

The moment the bottle is cracked open, a thick yet surprisingly gentle wave of ash and peat smoke hits your nose. Right after comes a crisp sea breeze and mineral vibe, accompanied by the savoury brine of shells and oysters—the mouthwatering umami that island whisky lovers adore. The whisky is beautifully layered, carrying a cozy undertone of sweet fruits, while the lightly peat finish lingers on and on. It honestly feels just like sitting by the Keelung harbour at night, watching the distant fishing boat lights fade into the mist.

The outturn of this double-anniversary release is strictly limited. This is not just a birthday gift for our two teams; we are leaving it for those who truly understand the sea, fancy a bit of peat, and know the spirit of Keelung.

Distillery: Tobermory Distillery (Peated)

Distilled: 25 May 2010

Bottled: 27 May 2026

Cask: Refill Hogshead #500046

Outturn: 154

Abv: 51.9% 

Label Design: Fongbai Lin