Tobermory Distillery

I’ve just spent a short few days sailing around the west coast of Scotland. We anchored one night in Tobermory on the Island of Mull. Fortunately, we had some time to spare before we weighed anchor in the morning and therefore took the opportunity to visit the Tobermory Distillery.

If you are not aware, the Tobermory Distillery produces two whiskies; the lightly peated Tobermory and the more robust Ledaig. Ledaig is Gaelic and it means “safe haven”. Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the island and it is a delightful spot. It was established in 1798 and is one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland.

We took the distillery tour (when in Rome) to add another name to our extensive list of distilleries we’ve visited over the years, and what an informative time we had.

Tobermory Distillery

Tobermory 10 year old single malt whisky is the mainstay of Tobermory Distillery. It is a very fine dram and it has evolved with a new look and taste. It is not chill filtered and with a strength of 46.3%, you can appreciate the full depth of flavours, aromas and character of this fine whisky. Expect a wonderful cloudy haze when adding water; this is completely natural and with no caramel added you will be tasting whisky as natural as it can be. It was great to have a sip of this at its birthplace.

Tobermory 15 year old is an interesting proposition; it is matured in two locations in Gonzalez Byass Oloroso Sherry casks, firstly on the mainland before travelling back to Mull for the final maturation year before bottling. It is a new, limited edition, beautifully presented 15 year old from the Tobermory Distillery. It is bottled at natural colour and strength, ensuring that the essence of Tobermory Distillery is encapsulated in every bottle. The uniquely blown bottle is gift boxed in fine dark gold oak, with the bottle hand wrapped in a gift tissue wrap that illustrates Tobermory Bay; a commission by painter, Sonas Maclean.

Not forgetting the fine Ledaig 10 year old Single Malt Whisky; a wonderfully distinct single malt Scotch whisky. It is the only peated malt produced by the Tobermory Distillery. It matures in ancient vaults for ten years in oak wood casks. This is a robust and vibrant single malt whisky that’s both floral and smoky. It is un- chill filtered at 46.3%.

If you ever find yourself on Mull, do visit the Tobermory Distillery – a charming distillery chocked full of island history and managed by some passionate Tobermory people.