Tobermory 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
Produced at the Tobermory distillery, the only distillery on the picturesque hebridean Isle of Mull. Tobermory, the capital of Mull, lies towards the northern end of the island. The distillery's name is derived from the gaelic 'tobar mhoire', which means 'Well of Mary', and relates to the well and chapel of St. Mary. The bay in which the distillery is situated is one of the safest anchorages in the hebrides, indeed the original name for the distillery, 'Ledaig' (pronounced lea-chaig) is gaelic, and means 'safe haven'. This made it the ideal place for a fishing town which was built in 1788. The distillery is situated at the southern end of the harbour.
Of all the whisky distilling regions of Scotland (Speyside, Highland, Islay, the various islands, Lowland, Campbeltown), only Tobermory and Ledaig represent an opportunity to experience malt whisky from this particular region. Many island malts tend to be heavily peated. Tobermory, however, is distilled from unpeated malted barley and allowed to mature in oak casks for a minimum of 10 years.
In February of 1998 the highly regarded American spirits magazine 'Wine Spectator' featured the results of a 'blind' tasting during which 39 of the most popular and established single malt scotch whiskies were compared. Of the 39 malts tasted, 5 were deemed to be so good that they merited classic status, while the rest were divided into the categories 'outstanding', 'very good' and 'others'. Both malts from the Tobermory distillery, Tobermory and Ledaig, were awarded 'classic' status, with the following judges comments:“Tobermory: spicy and exciting. A malt with hay, salt and butter and hints of earth and wood. Concentrated and full of flavour. Superlong aftertaste. Got to love this. 40% Alc./Vol.'
Tasting note: “The elegant bouquet is rich, gently sweet and generously malty. The palate entry is slightly salty and faintly peaty; at midpalate the grainy sweetness returns with traces of green vegetable, mint and black tea. Finishes with the tea flavor dominant. A good introductory island malt of finesse and substance.” Rating: 85-89 – www.wineenthusiast.com
Other reviews... Nose: Alpine violets and orchids; a touch of salt to the malt. Taste: refreshing malt cleanses the palate; light bitter-sweet and charming; Finish: a small degree of caramel, but still the intensity of the malt persists and refreshing throughout. Balance: improved beyond recognition and quite beautifully made. The best Tobermory of all time. A wonderfully light dram before a heavy dinner. 91 points – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2006.
Click here to learn more about Scotch Whisky