Tobermory 15, 1798, Limited Edition, 46.3% abv.

Tobermory is the only "distillery" on the Island of Mull and was formerly known as Ledaig. Distillery is in quotes because there are rumors that the distillery is actually just a warehouse and not an active production facility. But then it's well known Tobermory's single malt is matured in Deanston, Tobermory's sister distillery. These rumors probably have some truth to them and perhaps are based on a drought that dried up Tobermory's water source in 2012-2013. In any case, there is logistical confusion for this distillery. Marketing material states Tobermory is the lightly peated distillate while Ledaig is the heavily peated distillate that comes out of the distillery. This bottling is supposedly matured at Deanston for 14 years and then finished off in Gonzalez Byass Oloroso Sherry casks at Tobermory.

Nose: large bouquet of fruit, hints of honey, overall sweet, dried honey.

Palate: sweet, but with the young tofu taste.

Finish: short, woody.

Dry glass: wood and wax.

Nose and taste are very different. Nose is purely massive. But unlike other scotches that have that young tofu taste, I enjoyed this one. Liked the nose, a pure subtle fruit bomb, more pure than old 1970's Benriach, but then I realized only the nose was carrying the pour. Had this at Bar 31B, Seoul, South Korea.

Grade: B-

Whiskyanalysis.com, 8.59 ± 0.32 on 16 reviews
Whiskyfun.com, Serge, sgp:361, 82 points
Whisky advocate, John Hansell, 84 points
Lawhiskeysociety, average, B-
San Francisco World Spirit Awards 2012 & 2013, Gold

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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