Tobermory Scotch Whisky

Tobermory Scotch whisky distillery was built in 1798 by John Sinclair on the Isle of Mull. The Ledaig Distillery as it was known in the early years became fully licensed in 1823.

The distillery was closed between 1837 and 1878. And in 1890 it was sold to John Hopkins & Co. who themselves were taken over 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 using the name Tobermory.

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 (pronounced Led-chig) is also Gaelic and means “Safe Haven”.

In 1993 Burn Stewart who’s other distilleries at the time included Bunnahabhain and Deanston bought 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 a much more heavily peated malt called Ledaig.

 Tobermory Tasting Notes

Distillery Style

Nose : Light gentle peat, malty, floral with a touch of smoke.

Palate : Light to medium. Malty, fruity, honey and nuts.

Finish : Soft and honeyed.

Ledaig Tasting Notes

Distillery Style

Nose : Peaty, earthy, tarmac.

Palate : Full bodied. Sweet chewy peat, oily, smoky.

Finish : Long and peaty.