Whisky Review/Tasting: Tobermory 18J-/2016

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tobermory Distillery, Isle of Mull, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in ex-bourbon casks, possibly including both first-fill and refill casks.
Age Statement: 18 years.
ABV: 46.3%.
Color: Golden, lighter than typical sherry cask-aged whiskies, indicating a mix of first-fill and refill ex-bourbon casks.
Clarity: Uncoloured and unchill filtered.
Bottle Design: Part of a series with a unique collection aspect involving color-coded leaflets corresponding to different releases.

Nose: Light, fresh, and floral with acacia honey, cereal notes, barley sugar, vanilla, white pepper, light wood spice, and a hint of eucalyptus.
Palate: Starts sweet and floral, developing an oaky and sea salt character with maple syrup notes.
Finish: Sweet licorice with cinnamon, cooked apple, and a hint of wild mint.
Overall: A complex and intense flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, spice, and a hint of cooling eucalyptus, attributed to the alcohol content and ex-bourbon cask maturation.

The Tobermory 18 is part of a unique series of six bottles released over three years (2016-2018), each with a color-coded leaflet that collectors can gather for a chance to win a 42-year-old Tobermory whisky.
The colors of the leaflets and the series' presentation are inspired by the colorful houses in Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull, adding a vibrant touch to the often grey and stormy Scottish north.

The Isle of Mull, home to the Tobermory Distillery, is depicted as a place of rugged natural beauty, characterized by its rainy, stormy, and cold climate. The colorful houses of Tobermory bring a sense of warmth and community to this remote location.

Horst Luening, the master taster, describes the whisky as "wonderful," highlighting its intense flavor profile and the absence of bitterness due to the ex-bourbon cask maturation.
He questions the value proposition of the €135 price tag, especially when compared to other 18-year-old whiskies, but acknowledges its appeal to fans of ex-bourbon cask maturation.

The Tobermory 18 is an 18-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from the Isle of Mull, matured in ex-bourbon casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, spice, and a hint of cooling eucalyptus.
Part of a unique series with a collection aspect, inspired by the colorful houses of Tobermory.
The whisky is uncoloured, unchill filtered, and presented at 46.3% ABV.
Priced at €135, it offers a distinct experience, particularly for fans of ex-bourbon cask maturation.

Whisky Collectors: Enthusiasts interested in unique series and the potential to win a rare 42-year-old bottle.
Fans of Ex-Bourbon Cask Maturation: Individuals who appreciate the distinct flavors imparted by ex-bourbon casks.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those with a palate for complex, aged single malts who can appreciate the subtleties of the Tobermory 18's flavor profile.
Scotch Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in exploring the diverse offerings from Scotland's islands, particularly the Isle of Mull.