The second whisky from the autumn tasting, which seems to be well timed for a review since it’s about 30 degrees out here, is this Tobermory. A bottling that’s been available for a couple of years by now, and once again, a sherry finish.
Tobermory is the unpeated older brother to Ledaig, from the town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. The distillery has been around for over 200 years, but it’s not a huge brand by any measure. The whisky is out there but is generally not announced with much fanfare. Ledaig is a bit different, since that’s a rather Islay-styled peated whisky, and those are insanely popular now.
Let’s find out whether their lack of reputation is justified.
Sniff:
There’s a hint of sulfur on the nose, with some dark dried fruits like plums and dates. Oak and chocolate chip cookies too. Furniture wax, hot chocolate, cherry and cassis.
Sip:
The palate is rather dry with tree bark, cocoa shells, dates and dried plums. I think I’m getting European oak too with walnut and espresso, and a hint of chilli pepper.
Swallow:
The finish is classical and dusty with dried fruits. I’m getting a note of graphite and cedar too, so pencil shavings. The whiff of sulfur is back again too, and it’s not an overly long finish.
This is a bit of a difficult one. There are quite some likeable notes, but none of them really jump out. It’s all a bit timid, and I’m thinking it is a little bit too timid. Then again, the cassis and cocoa, with the pencil shavings is really interesting, but the note of sulfur doesn’t help. A lot of pros and cons, with this one.
86/100
Malt Fascination 