Tobermory 18 Year Old 1994 Adelphi

In 2013, Adelphi released this Tobermory from 1994, which had matured for 18 long years on a sherry butt. I feel the ABV is still quite high after almost two decades. But the color makes me happy up front. I hope it tastes as good as it looks.

Succulent nose on all kinds of dark fruit, both juicy and dried, upholstered with lots of green and umami notes. Some pipe tobacco, red fruit and roasted nuts on the side. It has a surprisingly maritime note too, although that struggles to break through the sweetness. When it succeeds, it reminds me of dried seaweeds. Some sun dried tomatoes and straw mats on the beach. Finally those little cola candies. Wow!

It is very syrupy on the palate, you can almost chew this. Immediately quite piquant because of both the alcohol and the woodspices. Think ground cubeb pepper and curcuma. Cigar box, dried grapefruit, plums, raisins and a hint of dried red fruit.

The finish is quite long, intense and again emphasizes the very active sherry cask.

Boy, oh, boy, this is not for snowflakes. What a ride!

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