Tobermory Scotch Whisky

Tobermory / Ledaig Whisky Distillery Information

Founded in 1797 by John Sinclair

Location Island region on the Isle of Mull, Tobermory

Water Source Local private loch

Tobermory / Ledaig Whisky Distilling Equipment

Copper domed cast iron mash tun

4 Oregon pine washbacks

4 pot stills with steeply inclined S-shaped lyne arms

Matured in a combination of American oak bourbon and European sherry casks.

Tobermory / Ledaig Whisky Distillery History

The name “Tobermory” is derived from the Gaelic “Tobar Mhoire”, which means “Well of Mary” and relates to the well and chapel of St Mary – there was a small Christian settlement in Tobermory from early times. The original name for the distillery, Ledaig (pronounce Led-chig) is also Gaelic and means “Safe Haven”.

Tobermory Distillery is one of the oldest operational Malt Scotch Whisky distilleries and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 1998

In 1797 a local merchant, John Sinclair, applied to build a distillery, this was initially refused. However permission was granted the following year for Sinclair to proceed and The Ledaig Distillery as it was known in the early years was constructed. becoming fully licensed in 1823.

The distillery was closed between 1837 and 1878. In 1890 it was sold to John Hopkins & Co. who themselves where acquired by the Distillers Company Ltd in 1916.

The distillery was shut down again in 1928 and didn't reopen until 1972 this time as the Ledaig Distillery (Tobermory) Ltd. However in 1975 the receivers where called in and the distillery was mothballed.

During 1978 the distillery was purchased by Kirkleavington Property Co (Yorkshire) and in 1990 the distillery resumed production this time called Tobermory.

In 1993 Burn Stewart who’s other distilleries at the time included Bunnahabhain and Deanston acquired the distillery.

Today Tobermory distillery produces two different styles of single malts. The first one is a lightly peated malt called Tobermory. The second is an extremely peaty malt called Ledaig.

Both Tobermory and Ledaig Single Malt Scotch whiskies are produced at the Tobermory Distillery, which is the only distillery on the picturesque Hebridean Isle of Mull. This means that of all the world-famous whisky distilling regions of Scotland (Speyside, Highland, Lowland, Islay, Island and Campbeltown) these two malt whiskies represent the only opportunity to experience Scotch whisky from this particular area.

The Tobermory Single Malt Whisky.

The Tobermory malt whisky is born of the finest un-peated malt, yeast and water drawn from dark aromatic Isle of Mull peat lochans. Unique climatic characteristics from Tobermory Bay ensure a fresh lightly peated, smoky nose prevails. The pleasantly surprising taste profile is medium dry with a smooth and fruity tang.

Ledaig Single Malt Whisky

The Ledaig (pronounced “Led-chig”) has become synonymous with the peated style of single malt from the Tobermory distillery The malted barley has been peat dried only, with the naturally peat infused water source adding an additional element of depth to the whiskies final profile. With maturation having taken place on the Scottish mainland in central Scotland, in superior oak wood has ensured an idyllic balance of peat, smoke and wood.

The Ledaig Origonal Tasting Note

Nose: - Distinct peatiness and fully influences the senses with a prevalence of fresh sea air

Taste: - Leaves no doubt of the unique Hebridean island heritage, with evidence of Tobermory seaweed and dry smoke,- a subtle milk chocolate flavouring leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

Finish: - Long and pleasant with a satisfying ginger sweetness and mellow soft warmth.

Tobermory / Ledaig Whisky Distillery Bottlings

Tobermory 10 year old

Ledaig Light

Ledaig Sherry Malt

Ledaig Older Distillery Bottlings

Ledaig Aged 7 years

Ledaig Aged 15 years

Ledaig Aged 20 years

Ledaig Vintage 1972, 1974, 1979

Ledaig Independent Bottlings

Berry’s Own Selection

Blackadder

Cadenhead’s

Chieftain’s (Ian Macleod),

Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Dun Bheagan (Ian McLeod),

Murray McDavid,

Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing),

Provenance (Douglas Laing)

Un-Chill Filtered (Signatory).

Published 8 times a year Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes

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