Tobermory 11 Year Sherry Butt

Nose: watery cereal mash, lemon, vinegar. When consumed neat, the nose is incredibly restrained. Adding a generous splash of water opens it slightly, but not much more is revealed. Palate: When consumed neat, this has a spicy and simple cereal arrival, and like the nose, it's almost impenetrable in that state. Adding water only makes it easier to drink. The texture is pleasant once diluted. Finish: Short. Cereal, lemon, brine. Not a particularly good whisky. In fact, it’s quite dull. I had anticipated much more from an 11-year-old sherry-finished Tobermory. If you dilute it and let it sit in the glass for an extended period, it eventually shows a little more character, but it never achieves much. This was a distillery-exclusive bottling, but I can't fathom why, nor can I imagine anyone being a big fan. Yes, it's pure and effectively showcases the distillery's character, but it's simply not engaging. I was disappointed overall, but I can't bring myself to rate it below 70 because despite its lack of excitement, it is flawlessly crafted. 70/100 (2 stars).

Distilled in November 2007 and bottled in June 2019, aged in refill hogsheads with a final 22 months in sherry butts. The aroma is sweet and honeyed, with notes of oranges and dried fruit like sultanas. The palate is intensely sweet and syrupy, featuring dried fruits such as apricots and sultanas. The finish resembles pudding wine, like Sauternes or Malaga Dulce, with hints of orange peel and raisins. Overall, it's a sweet and fruity drink. There's a slightly artificial taste, similar to the standard release, and a waxy, oily mouthfeel. The sweetness combined with the waxiness doesn't suit my palate; it's not something I'd likely revisit.