Tobermory 19 Years Old 1995 Cask #1289 (Ian Macleod)

This Tobermory was selected and bottled by Ian Macleod, a 19 year old island malt from 1995, drawn from cask 1289 and bottled at 46%. Only 959 bottles were released. Made on the Isle of Mull, Tobermory is the unpeated single malt of the island's sole distillery. The distillery makes two malts: the unpeated Tobermory and the peated Ledaig.

It was distilled in the kinked copper stills for a fruity spirit, building the oily Tobermory style. A refill bourbon cask held it, keeping the fruit to the fore. Long ageing brings a deeper waxy, fruity character and a mellow oak. The cool, damp island air gives a slow, even maturation. The distillery was refurbished and its stills renewed between 2017 and 2019. Mull's maritime climate works into the maturing casks over the years. It is one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland still working. Tobermory has distilled in the island's harbour town since 1798.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Honey, wax and a soft nut, and ex-Bourbon oak gives vanilla and a light sweetness. It is fruity and full, the oily spirit shining through. The close is long, fruit over a soft oak. This is an unpeated malt from Mull's only distillery.