Tobermory 22 Year Old 1995 Valinch & Mallet

To be honest, I am not well versed in Tobermory (if we mean the unpeated version and not Ledaig of which I have tried many more). This is only my 8th in approx. 3500 whiskies tasted. Why is that? Is there so little available or do I think it’s just not sexy enough. Not sure. This 22 Year Old sherry matured Tobermory was bottled at cask strength by the Italian Valinch & Mallet.

The nose is rife with redwood, which is immediately supported by red fruit and gooseberries with a hint of zespri. Rum raisins. Loads of caramel and cardamom, plant roots, something milky and, last but not least, some woodsmoke. The redwood gave me a scare at first, but after five minutes in the glass, this becomes an impressive and very pleasing nose.

It is quite powerful, piquant and sweet on the palate. Turkish Delight and some of that Turkish heavy pastry with raisins and dades. The tannins still speak, but without becoming overbearing. Apricot and orange marmalade. Cardemom, chili pepper and liquorice. And again a bit ht of smoke (could this be Ledaig in disguise?). I’m very impressed.

The finish is exquisitely long and spicy until the very last moment.

Impressive Tobermory, which I believe to be a Ledaig in disguise. Around 160 EUR. Recommended.

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