In March 2026 we joined a Tobermory and Ledaig tasting at Melody Whisky Bar in London, hosted with Juliean and Dawn from the Isle of Mull distillery. The lineup ran from a Tobermory 21 Year Old up to a 27 Year Old, alongside rare cask samples: a 29-year-old Tobermory 1996 finished in Sauternes (45.4% ABV) and a 28-year-old Ledaig 1997 from a port pipe (50.5% ABV). The standout was the 27 Year Old Tobermory. Tobermory makes both unpeated (Tobermory) and peated (Ledaig) single malt, and this evening showed the full range of both.
A Special Night with Tobermory and Ledaig in London
Thursday, we had the pleasure of attending a truly fantastic whisky tasting in London with Juliean and Dawn from the Tobermory distillery. Hosted at the incredible Melody Whisky Bar, this was more than just a tasting—it was an intimate journey into one of Scotland’s most characterful and small-scale distilleries.
We enjoyed two days in London, this event stood out as a highlight, bringing together great people, rare whiskies, and stories straight from the source.
Who makes Tobermory and Ledaig
Tobermory is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull, off Scotland’s
west coast. It produces two single malts from the same stills: Tobermory, which is unpeated, and Ledaig, which is heavily peated. The split lets one small island distillery cover two very different styles, from waxy, fruity unpeated malt to maritime, smoky Ledaig. Production is small-scale, which is part of why well-aged casks like the ones poured here are scarce.
The Line up: A Showcase of Tobermory and Ledaig
The tasting featured an impressive range of both Tobermory and Ledaig whiskies, including aged expressions and rare cask samples:
- Tobermory 21 Year Old
- Tobermory 26 Year Old
- Tobermory 27 Year Old ⭐
- Tobermory 1996 Cask Sample – Sauternes Finish
- Ledaig 18 Year Old
- Ledaig 1997 Cask Sample – Port Pipe Finish
- Ledaig 1972 Cask Sample
From well-aged classics to experimental finishes, the lineup captured the full spectrum of what this island distillery can offer.
Rare Cask Samples: A True Highlight for Whisky Lovers
One of the most exciting parts of the evening was the opportunity to taste extremely rare cask samples—something whisky enthusiasts don’t often get access to.
We explored:
- A 28-year-old Ledaig (1997) finished in a port pipe cask at 50.5% ABV
- A 29-year-old Tobermory (1996) with a Sauternes cask finish at 45.4% ABV
These rare releases showcased the depth and creativity behind Tobermory’s maturation process, giving us a glimpse into whiskies that may never see wide release.
The Standout: 27-Year-Old Tobermory 🤩🥃👏🏼
While the entire lineup impressed, one whisky clearly stole the show.
The 27-year-old Tobermory was our favorite of the night—an exceptional dram packed with complexity and depth. What truly set it apart was how long the flavors lingered, evolving beautifully on the palate long after each sip.
It’s whiskies like this that remind us why aged expressions continue to hold such a special place among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Melody Whisky Bar: A Must-Visit in London
Hosting the tasting at Melody Whisky Bar added another layer to the experience. Known for its curated selection and welcoming atmosphere, it proved to be the perfect setting for an evening dedicated to high-quality whisky.
If you’re searching for a whisky bar in London, Melody is absolutely worth a visit—whether for a casual dram or a special tasting event like this one.
Stories from the Distillery
What made the evening truly memorable wasn’t just the whisky—it was the stories.
Juliean and Dawn gave us insight into life at Tobermory, sharing behind the scenes details about production, cask selection, and the unique challenges of running a small island distillery.
These personal touches brought the whiskies to life in a way that no label ever could.
Final Thoughts
This tasting was a perfect example of what makes whisky so special: craftsmanship, history, and shared experiences.
From rare cask samples to standout aged expressions, the evening delivered on every level. The 27-year-old Tobermoryand 1996 Sauternes cask sample will stay with us for a long time—and we feel lucky to have experienced them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tobermory and Ledaig whisky?
Tobermory distillery sits on the Isle of Mull off Scotland’s west coast. It produces two single malts: Tobermory, which is unpeated, and Ledaig, which is heavily peated. Both come from the same distillery in separate production runs, giving Mull two distinct island whisky styles.
What is the difference between Tobermory and Ledaig?
Both are made at the same distillery on the Isle of Mull, but Tobermory is the unpeated expression and Ledaig is the peated one. Ledaig carries smoke and maritime character from peated malt, while Tobermory is fruitier and waxier without smoke. The names mark the style, not separate distilleries.
Which whiskies were poured at the tasting in London?
The lineup featured Tobermory 21, 26 and 27 Year Old, a Tobermory 1996 Sauternes cask sample, Ledaig 18 Year Old, a Ledaig 1997 port pipe cask sample, and a Ledaig 1972 cask sample. Several were rare cask samples not available as standard releases.
Where is Melody Whisky Bar in London?
Melody Whisky Bar is a specialist whisky bar in London known for a curated selection and a relaxed atmosphere. It hosts tasting events like this Tobermory and Ledaig evening, and is worth a visit for a casual dram or a guided tasting.
Can you buy the rare Tobermory and Ledaig cask samples?
Most of the samples poured, including the 1996 Tobermory Sauternes and the 1997 Ledaig port pipe, were rare drafts that may never see a wide release. The official 21, 26 and 27 Year Old Tobermory bottlings are easier to find through specialist whisky retailers.
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