If you think all island whiskies have to taste like a bonfire, Tobermory 12 is here to happily prove you wrong. This is the flagship of the Isle of Mull’s only distillery, and it’s a brilliant example of what happens when you let the coastal air and top-quality casks do the talking. Replacing the old 10-year-old, this 12-year-old expression is a massive step up in richness. It’s unpeated, which allows the natural, zesty character of the spirit to shine through. On the first sip, it’s all about bright oranges, fresh pears, and a big dollop of creamy honey. But because the distillery sits right on the water’s edge in that iconic colourful harbour, there’s a lovely, subtle "brine" on the finish—a tiny pinch of sea salt that perfectly balances the sweetness. Bottled at a punchy 46.3% and without any added colouring or chill-filtration, this is an honest, full-flavoured whisky. It’s light enough for a summer evening but has enough oily texture and spice to keep you warm in the winter.[#intro]What’s the story in Tobermory? This unpeated malt is bursting with honey, fruit and island sunshine...[/intro]