Waves of Whisky: The Ledges Scotch Tasting — June 2026
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
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Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
About The Ledges
Website: https://www.theledges.com/
Address: [Establishment Address]
Phone Number: 256.883.0860
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Waves of Whisky: The Ledges Scotch Tasting — June 2026
A His, Her & The Good Life Joint Review
Arrival: A Warm Glow and a Familiar Ritual
There’s a certain charm to arriving early at The Ledges — the chandeliers glowing softly, the quiet hum of conversation, the sense that the evening is about to unfold into something special. As always, we began in the bar area, where we found our favorite bartender, Joey, out on the floor, taking orders with that same easy confidence he brings to every drink he touches.
Her Take: I didn’t even pretend to consider anything else — the Amaretto Sour was calling my name. Joey’s version is frothy, balanced, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without tipping into dessert territory.
His Take: There’s something grounding about starting the night with a familiar cocktail and a familiar face. Joey always sets the tone, even when he’s not behind the bar.
We caught up with our friends Dean and Stacie Della Pella, and later, we’d be seated with them as well — a welcome bonus to an already promising evening.
The Ballroom: Elegance Meets Anticipation
The ballroom was dressed in its finest — black tablecloths, polished silver, rows of tasting glasses catching the light. The whisky bottles were displayed with intention, each one a small sculpture of glass and heritage. The setting alone hinted that the evening would be something special.
Our host introduced the theme:
“Waves of Whisky: A Coastal Journey.”
Each expression was chosen for its connection to the Scottish coastline — shaped by salt air, maritime winds, and the character of the sea itself. Guests were encouraged to look for those coastal notes in every sip.
The Expressions
1. Talisker 11 Year Old — Special Release 2022
2. Ferg & Harris 14 Year — Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Old Pulteney Distillate)
3. Claxton’s Ledaig 2011 — 12 Year (Warehouse No. 1)
4. Oban 15 Year — Port Cask Finish
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
The Tasting Pairings
Chef Phil and his team had prepared a four‑course Peruvian menu to pair with the four featured bottles.
Course One
Talisker 11 Year Old — Special Release 2022
Paired with: Ahi Tuna Tataki, Tiger Milk, Avocado
Her Take: The tuna was lightly seared, beautifully plated, and bright with citrus and creaminess. A few laughs were shared imagining how one might “milk a tiger.” (Consensus: very carefully, and preferably with hazard pay.)
The whisky leaned peaty for my palate, landing at #3 of 4.
His Take: Talisker always brings that sea‑spray swagger. Sweetness up front, brine in the middle, and a chili‑pepper finish. I ranked it #2 of 4.
Course Two
Ferg & Harris 14 Year — Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Old Pulteney Distillate)
Paired with: Braised Chicken Thigh, Passion Fruit, Mango, Papaya
Her Take: This pour opened with tropical fruit and warm sweetness — a nose that felt like a vacation. The chicken was tender and paired beautifully with the whisky’s salted‑caramel and sherried fruit notes.
His Take: This was the standout of the night. Expressive, layered, and beautifully balanced. We both ranked it #1 of 4.
Course Three
Claxton’s Ledaig 2011 — 12 Year (Warehouse No. 1)
Paired with: Wagyu Tenderloin, Arepa Corn Cake, Chimichurri
Her Take: The Wagyu was melt‑in‑your‑mouth good — rich and perfectly complemented by the chimichurri. The whisky, however, was intensely peaty and quite hot, placing it at #4 of 4 for me.
His Take: The sherry influence and rarity were interesting, but the heat was undeniable. Also my #4 of 4.
Course Four
Oban 15 Year — Port Cask Finish
Paired with: Mousse, Cinnamon, Caramel
(Or so the menu said…)
Her Take: The menu promised mousse, but what arrived was something far more whimsical — a chocolate‑covered mousse sphere with a petite cannoli on the side. Not at all what was listed, but absolutely delicious. The whisky’s port‑driven red‑fruit notes paired beautifully with the dessert. My #2 of 4.
His Take: The unexpected dessert was a fun twist, and the Oban held its own — elegant, warm, and layered. It landed at #3 of 4 for me, but still a perfect match for the plate.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Closing Notes
From the coastal theme to Chef Phil’s Peruvian‑inspired menu to Terry Wilbanks’ seamless hosting, the evening felt curated, intentional, and beautifully executed. Being seated with the Della Pella's made the night even more enjoyable — good whisky is always better with good company.
Another memorable evening at The Ledges, and next month’s edition is already on the horizon.
His, Her & The Good Life
His Take: Good whisky, good food, good friends — that’s the kind of coastline worth exploring.
Her Take: Give me a perfect cocktail, a beautifully plated menu, and a room full of friends, and I’m exactly where I want to be.
The Good Life: Two perspectives. One shared evening. And another moment worth lingering over.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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