Tobermory 26 (North Star Spirits Cask Series 16)

The North Star Series 15 and 16 tasting event, held at The Oak Barrel in Sydney on March 9, 2022. This is Whisky #5. Smell: The initial aroma is delicately floral and fruity, with notes of pear and apple. As it sits, subtle oak emerges alongside a mineral-like quality, possibly chalky, which seems to stem from lactic elements. A gentle salty breeze drifts over fields of ripe grain. Adding water enhances the floral notes, bringing to mind freesias blooming near a pebble beach. Taste: The first impression on the palate is a sweet and salty fruitiness, akin to salted caramel chocolate-covered preserved fruit. This quickly transitions to a refreshing minty flavor – peppermint and a milder spearmint – accompanied by smooth vanilla. It evokes the sensation of a vanilla slice with a light mint frosting. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich, but not heavy. Aftertaste: It lingers for a medium duration, offering milk chocolate, caramel sauce, a subtle sour cherry note, and a fresh, lasting minty essence. A captivating malt that presents a refreshing lightness and elegance, especially considering its 26 years of aging. Up until the early 2000s, Tobermory's new-make spirit was unpredictable, often exhibiting feinty and lactic characteristics (commonly described as “baby-sick”). However, significant improvements have been made over the past two decades, and the distillery is now releasing some exceptional aged expressions. Bottlings like this one, originating from the previous century, can be unpredictable, with the cask playing a crucial role. Fortunately, this particular dram was matured gracefully in a quiet refill hogshead, allowing for delicate extractive maturation and avoiding the heavy influence of sherry and oak spices that could have overpowered the distillate. Adding a touch of water is highly beneficial, and at 51% ABV, the whisky readily accommodates some dilution. Allowing it to rest after adding water enhances every aspect of the dram. While undoubtedly a good whisky, it didn't quite reach a level I'd classify as “very good”. With a price of AUD$350 per bottle, the cost is reasonable when contrasted with other whiskies aged in their mid-20s, representing good value. Nevertheless, in terms of absolute quality for the price, I believe I'd opt for a different selection with that $350. Rating: “Good”: 83/100 (3.5 stars)