Tobermory returns with 12 Years Old expression

Distell's Tobermory Distillery has celebrated its return to production with a new signature expression —Tobermory 12 Years Old. 

To celebrate the reawakening of Tobermory Distillery and the launch of its new 12 Years Old expression, two gallery unveiling events are being held in the UK. The first will take place in London on 27 March with the second event being hosted in Glasgow on 3 April. They will reveal the vibrant new packaging, which is reflective of the distillery’s Hebridean home, as well as offer the first tastings of Tobermory 12 Years Old.

Guests will also have a unique opportunity to view two original pieces of art donated to the distillery by Catherine Ross, who completed the first Artist in Residence programme at Tobermory last year. Her works will be supported by photographer Euan Miles who has successfully captured the essence of the distillery and the island on camera, which in turn has been used to create standout packaging across all the spirits produced at the Hebridean Distillery.

Tobermory distillery has consistently been innovative and unusual, its lone existence on the Isle of Mull has nurtured an artisanal approach to whisky production over the centuries, operating two production cycles during the year. One to produce an unpeated malt, while the other creates a peated version, Ledaig. This Spring will not only mark the return of whisky production, but it will also see the distillery venture into new spirits too and guests attending the two events will have an advance preview of what’s in the pipeline for 2019.

Derek Scott, brand director for malts at Distell International, says: “The past two years have been a voyage of discovery; we have all been on an incredible journey with Tobermory and it is far from over. It’s a dream for any of us in the industry to be given a beautiful Hebridean distillery nestled in the centre of an iconic and vibrant community and answer the question ‘what is its future?’. It’s been fascinating watching the character of Tobermory almost answer that question all by itself, which is why it’s so exciting to now be on the cusp of launching the 12 Years Old.

“The distillery has a rich tapestry of stories to share and the latest chapter follows on from the success of our Artist in Residence programme last year and the works our first artist Catherine Ross has donated. These perfectly complement the heritage of the distillery and its island home and we are very excited to see the creativity that spins out of this year’s residency as we hope to welcome more rising stars during 2019 and beyond.”

12 February 2019 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editor