Dauglas Laing Whisky Sample Tobermory 1996 23 Year Old Old Particular 2020 Release (30ml, 46.7%)

Dauglas Laing Whisky Sample Tobermory 1996 23 Year Old Old Particular 2020 Release (30ml, 46.7%)

1990s unpeated distillate from the Isle of Mull's only distillery is a true connoisseur's dram. This Tobermory 1996 23 Year Old by Douglas Laing was selected for their acclaimed Old Particular single cask range and bottled at a highly precise 46.7% ABV. It provides an amazing window into old-school, oily island character before the distillery's modern renovations.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Decadently coastal and expressive. It leads with marine brine, sea-salted caramel, and damp harbor ropes. As it sits in the glass, a sweeter core breaks through, revealing malted biscuits, warm stewed apples, and a touch of waxy lemon peel.

Palate: Thick, oily, and satisfyingly viscous. The 46.7% proof allows the flavors to stretch beautifully, delivering notes of creamy vanilla pods, warm honey, and a prickly kick of ginger spice. Underlying the sweetness is that classic Tobermory rustic funk—think earthy minerals, old oak wood, and a delicate slick of olive oil.

Finish: Long, clean, and dry. It leaves a parting wave of sea salt, cracked black pepper, old oak spice, and a gentle, sweet note of herbal tea.

Why this bottle is special: 

This bottle is special because vintage, unpeated 1990s Tobermory is a scarce commodity that showcases a brilliant balance between distillate funk and wood patience. Left undisturbed for 23 years, the refill hogshead acted as a perfect filter—it didn't overwhelm the liquid with heavy vanilla wood sugars. Instead, it slowly tempered the spirit's wild, maritime, and oily new-make edges over nearly a quarter-century. It hit the bottling line at the exact intersection where coastal distillery character and mature oak spices achieve absolute harmony, making it a spectacular example of what makes island single malts so uniquely captivating.