Tobermory 15 Years Old 2008 Cask #2201635 (Murray McDavid)

This Tobermory was from the independent bottler Murray McDavid, a 15 year old island malt from 2008, drawn from cask 2201635 and bottled at 51.5%. Just 232 bottles were filled. Tobermory is the unpeated malt of the island's only distillery, founded in 1798 by John Sinclair. Water comes from the Gearr Abhainn, a private hill loch above the town of Tobermory.

The spirit was distilled in the kinked copper stills for a fruity spirit, building the oily Tobermory style. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, waxy fruit. The cool, damp island air gives a slow, even maturation. In dry summers the distillery has paused when its hill loch ran low. The distillery sits at the head of the bay, beneath a steep wooded hill. Both malts feed the Scottish Leader and Black Bottle blends as well as single malt. The distillery was refurbished and its stills renewed between 2017 and 2019.

At 51.5%, undiluted, it is rich and deep. Honey, wax and a soft nut, and the Pedro Ximenez lends raisin, date and treacle. A green note and a gentle spice give it depth. A long, waxy finish carries a green lift. This is an unpeated malt from Mull's only distillery.