Whisky Review/Tasting: Tobermory 12 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Isle of Mull, West Coast of Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Finished in Manzanilla Fino Sherry casks, which are known for being light and dry. The casks were thermally treated to release caramelized wood sugars and vanilla notes.
Age Statement: 12 years.
ABV: 46.3%.
Color & Clarity: Dark, uncolored, and unchill filtered. The color primarily comes from the cask.
Bottle Design: The bottle has a thick base, indicating quality, and features a well-fitting cork to minimize air exchange. The label mentions the distillery's establishment in 1798, highlighting its long history.

Nose: Hints of orange and citrus, subtle dried fruit notes, raisins, sultanas, white coffee, toffee, and hints of spice.
Palate: Sweet, rich, mouth-filling oils, orange-dominated citrus notes, raisins, sultanas, subtle dried fruit, hints of coffee, dark chocolate, and subtle spice. The palate is slightly dry and subtly spiced with a lingering fruity finish.
Unique Characteristics: The Manzanilla Fino Sherry finish contributes to a unique flavor profile, with a notable coastal influence from its location. The thermal treatment of the casks adds complexity with caramelized wood sugars and vanilla notes.

Distillery History: Tobermory is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull, established in 1798. It has a rich history and is known for producing distinct coastal malts.
Limited Edition: This 12-year-old release is the third in a series of six, with two releases in 2016, two in 2017, and two in 2018. It is a limited edition, making it a collectible item.

Isle of Mull: The distillery's location on the Isle of Mull, a coastal area on the west coast of Scotland, contributes to the whisky's unique character. The coastal influence is evident in the flavor profile.
Manzanilla Fino Sherry Influence: The use of Manzanilla Fino Sherry casks for finishing adds a distinctive light and dry character to the whisky, differentiating it from those finished in Oloroso or Pedro Ximénez casks.

"It's a wonderful bottle... a really an old one." - Horst Luening, highlighting the quality and history of the distillery.
"Long ago that I had one with such an impact in my mouth." - Praising the whisky's impactful flavor profile.

Tobermory 12 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Isle of Mull, finished in Manzanilla Fino Sherry casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, dried fruits, coffee, dark chocolate, and subtle spice.
The whisky is a limited edition, part of a series, and has a rich history tied to its distillery and location.
The coastal influence and unique cask finishing contribute to its distinct character.

Whisky Collectors: Due to its limited edition status and unique bottle design, collectors may find this release particularly appealing.
Fans of Coastal Malts: Individuals who enjoy the distinct flavors associated with coastal Scotch whiskies will likely appreciate Tobermory 12 years.
Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Those interested in the nuanced differences between various sherry cask finishes might enjoy exploring this Manzanilla Fino Sherry finished whisky.