Whisky Focus - Tobermory 26 Year Old And Ledaig Triple Wood Limited Editions

Tobermory Distillery has unveiled the forth and penultimate Oloroso Cask Finish expression in its so far outstanding Hebridean Series of limited edition single malt whiskies which first launched back in 2020, launching alongside it is a special limited edition Ledaig expression, Ledaig Triple Wood, a peated single malt also produced at Tobermory distillery which has been crafted in collaboration with acclaimed wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan and the esteemed Mull and Iona Community Trust.

The Ledaig Triple Wood represents the fusion of three distinct casks, each symbolising the three collaborators united in their dedication to preserving the island's precious ecosystem. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish marks the eagerly awaited second-to-last instalment of the Hebridean Series.

In a significant announcement, the Mull and Iona Community Trust has been named as Tobermory Distillery's official charity partner. Proceeds from the production of Ledaig Triple Wood will be directed towards the organisation, initially supporting the island's long-term conservation and restoration efforts for the Ardura Forest – a groundbreaking rewilding project in the UK.

As part of a 20-year initiative, the Mull and Iona Community Trust is dedicated to reviving, safeguarding, and enriching the biodiversity of Ardura's Atlantic rainforest, addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By preserving globally rare fungi, plant species, and lichens, this endeavor aims to aid some of the UK's most vulnerable bird and animal populations while also creating employment opportunities.

Ledaig Triple Wood is said to offer a rich and complex experience, blending three classic Ledaig single malts, each matured in separate casks – one in Wine, another in Bourbon, and a third in Port. Tobermory's Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez,has harmonised these distinct flavours into what should be a sumptuous peaty dram.

Echoing Gordon Buchanan's deep connection to Mull, where he grew up, both releases pay homage to the island's landscapes, wildlife, and community. Through their flavour profiles and distinct packaging adorned with striking images captured by Gordon on the island, these whiskies instantly transport enthusiasts to the Inner Hebrides.

Gordon Buchanan said: "Mull really has been a key inspiration in my life, the first steps on a path which has taken me to incredible places worldwide. While I definitely have to thank the landscapes, wildlife and people for encouraging me to turn my passion into a career, the distillery has been a focal point for my entire family. Working in partnership through my role as Tobermory Distillery’s Island Ambassador to give back to Mull by creating an incredible whisky that will benefit future generations brings together the most important things to me."

Initially launched in 2020, the Tobermory Hebridean Series will be a curated collection of 5 exclusive releases. The liquid featured in this series originates from the sought-after 2008 edition of ‘Tobermory 15 Year Old’, which has been carefully nurtured in casks for an additional 11 years. Presently on its 4th instalment of five, each bottle, past and present, pays tribute to and draws inspiration from the distinctive influences of their distillery situated on the Isle of Mull.

This year, the 26 Year Old expression draws inspiration from Mull's white-tailed eagles, a species once believed to be extinct in Britain. Mull is now home to the largest nesting population of these majestic eagles, owing to a successful conservation effort that reintroduced the birds. These eagles, with wingspans of up to 2.5 meters, are the muse for the Tobermory 26 Year Old, which has been finished in Oloroso Casks. Adorned with a photograph by Gordon showcasing a white-tailed eagle, this limited release consists of 4,560 bottles and presents, going by previous releases, an exquisite sherried malt with an ideal harmony of spice and sweetness..

Julieann Fernandez, Master Blender at Tobermory Distillery, said: "We are very excited to introduce these two incredible new releases - each inspired by the island we’ve been lucky to call home for almost 230 years.

"Crafting expressions which not only take inspiration from, but also give back to, the community which has contributed to every drop of our whisky is such an honour for a master blender, and I could think of no better partners than Gordon and the Mull and Iona Community Trust to make this dream a reality.

"Both expressions are a true reflection of the two distinguished liquid profiles which define Tobermory Distillery."

The Ledaig Triple Wood is characterised by its unique Ledaig smokiness, described as a whirlwind of flavours including apple, vanilla, smoky oak, toffee, and a subtle hint of maple syrup that lingers on the palate. In contrast, the Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish boasts intertwining flavours of salted toffee and floral honey, culminating in notes of caramelised walnuts and a delicate underlying saltiness.

Available worldwide, Tobermory Hebridean Series 26 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish has been bottled at 49.12% ABV, non chill-filtered and naturally coloured and has a RRP of £370 and is now available to purchase at Berry Bros exclusively from February 28 and then from tobermorydistillery.com from March 13.

Ledaig Triple Wood has been bottled at 53.8% ABV, non chill-filtered and naturally coloured and has a RRP of £95 and is now available to purchase from tobermorydistillery.com now.

I haven't had the chance to taste them yet so I cannot comment on the quality of them but I do have high hopes given the quality of previous releases, so watch this space if you want to read my thoughts on the whiskies

You will also find the current Tobermory whisky range alongside its peaty sibling, Ledaig, available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops

Whisky Focus