Tobermory 2003 17 Year Madeira Cask Finish

Nose: When neat it’s a big winey nose with raisin, honey, dark chocolate and old wood aromas. There are earthy notes after it has rested in the glass for a while. Adding water brings out leathery qualities and deepens the earthy notes. Palate: An interesting combination of very sweet wine, stewed fruit flavours and very dry, grippy tannins. Honey, red berries, leather, mixed herbs and some flinty, mineralic ash. The texture is almost syrupy. Reduction greatly softens the palate by modulating the tannins and developing the honey flavour. Finish: Medium/Long. Spiced honey wine and mint. There’s a lot to like about this whisky, but I thought it demanded reduction before it showed all its finest points. It’s intense and interesting neat, but adding water adds complexity and elegance. Tasted from a sample bought at Tobermory Distillery, April 14th 2025 “Very Good” : 87/100 (4.25 stars)