Tobermory has unveiled Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish Whisky and Mountain Gin. The new offerings from the Distell-owned brand are set to be released later this month.
Tobermory Mountain Gin is inspired by the mountains of Mull and infused with hand-selected botanicals from its island home alongside a splash of spirit from the distillery’s stills. Wild heather picked from Mull’s mountains complement rowan berry, rosehip, and ten other botanicals to create a smooth and sweet Gin with a gently warming spice.
Bottled at 43.3% ABV, Tobermory Mountain Gin is recommended to be served in a balloon glass with lots of ice, premium tonic and a sprig of heather.
Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish, meanwhile, is Tobermory Distillery’s first ever non-aged statement Whisky. It pays tribute to the San Juan de Sicilia, an ill-fated Spanish Armada vessel which got into difficulties in the waters around Mull, sinking with a rumoured haul of gold. Countless diving expeditions have tried in vain to recover the valuable cargo, which is shrouded in mystery.
Bottled at 46.3% ABV, the expression is made with heavily peated barley before maturing in ex-Bourbon casks and resting for 18 months in hand-selected Spanish Rioja casks.
The Sinclair Series is a tribute to John Sinclair who founded the distillery in 1798, and celebrates Tobermory’s 220-year heritage as well as its creative approach to distilling.
“It’s been a year we won’t forget easily at the distillery, but despite everything else we’ve worked hard to produce an incredible range of new releases,” said Julieann Fernandez, master blender at Tobermory Distillery. “The introduction of our first ever limited edition gin marks yet another chapter in the distillery’s 220-year history. We have long championed the Isle of Mull and its diverse offering so it felt right for our limited edition to invoke the spirit of this charming island. The gin is utterly stunning in flavour, with the botanicals working together to form a unique and encapsulating taste profile which is perfect to be savoured as the nights draw in.
“Sitting alongside Ledaig 10 and 18-year-old, the Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish is inspired by Tobermory’s colourful past, nautical adventure and lost treasure. The smoky yet sweet expression is a fitting addition to the core Ledaig range, delivering the perfect marriage of peated flavours with fruity rioja sweetness and spice.
“Both of these expressions reflect the creativity and passion which we celebrate at Tobermory Distillery, crafting exceptional products which are an expression of the rich palate of our Hebridean home.”
Tobermory Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish will be available later this month from specialist retailers for a £36 ($48 USD). Tobermory Mountain Gin will be available later this month exclusively from Amazon, for £31 ($42 USD).
Back in September, Tobermory added a 23 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish Whisky to its core range. The single malt Scotch uses the same liquid found in the Tobermory 15 Year Old, which is then aged in oloroso Sherry casks at the distillery on the Isle of Mull.