SMWS code 42 is Tobermory, but Tobermory produces both unpeated, and peated spirit in the form of Ledaig. I’m pretty sure this is the former of the two. Distilled on 3rd March, this was matured for 12 years in a refill ex-Bourbon barrel. One of 204 bottles. Oily & Coastal flavour profile.
Nose: Initially a touch shy, but comes to life after a short resting period. Vanilla and light chalky/stony minerality are merged nicely with unripe apples, pineapple upside down cake and a host of both leafy and coastal influences. Almost into the botanical realm of gin at times, there’s forest pine, sappy birch and spicy cabbage as well as moist soils and a wisp of coastal breeze. Water enhances the earthy notes and adds in moist wood and a hint of ginger.
Taste: Sweet, savoury and umami. Initially sweetness from herbal honey, followed up by sharp apples and salted caramel. Then we’re looking at more savoury flavours, including roasted nuts and chilli pepper. The earthiness is quite pronounced now and is rather wet hay like. There’s an edge of salinity in here now, reaffirming the coastal nature of this whisky. Adding water further augments the salinity and adds in some sharp pepperiness.
Finish: Long, earthy and with a hit of chilli spice.
Lots to like with this Tobermory – very evocative of the coast with its earthy, mineral and salty notes, whilst still retaining some vibrancy of fruit and herbal influences. One of the cheaper bottles from this month’s outturn and one I’ll certainly be looking to purchase.