Tobermory 25 years old – Whisky Broker Single Cask no.617

A highly sought-after, twenty-five-year-old single cask single malt from the Isle of Mull, bottled at full strength by an independent bottler.

At-a-Glance

This single cask bottling provides a rare, unadulterated glimpse of Tobermory's unpeated spirit profile after extended maturation in a single barrel. The bottling is transparently presented, adhering to high enthusiast standards.

Historical Context

Tobermory Distillery, established in 1798, is the sole whisky producer on the Isle of Mull and is highly regarded for its dual identity: producing unpeated spirit under the Tobermory name. The distillery has endured several periods of closure, making older, continuously matured stock from the 1990s vintage highly precious and scarce.

This particular bottling from Whisky Broker represents a highly desirable single malt. Distilled in 1995 and bottled in 2020, achieving a 25-year age statement, the spirit survived two and a half decades in Cask n°617, retaining a robust proof of 51.5% ABV. The selection of a Hogshead (accelerating wood interaction) for such a long maturation highlights the cask’s exceptional quality. This independent release provides an unvarnished technical benchmark for the distillery's signature coastal character at a peak age. The single cask outturn of just 229 bottles further cements its status as a major collectible artifact.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The technical details of this release are highly specific to the single cask. The distillation date of 26/04/1995 and the bottling date of 26/11/2020 define the 25-year age statement. The spirit was sourced from a single Hogshead, Cask n°617, and bottled at a slightly reduced Cask Strength of 51.5% ABV. The total outturn of 229 bottles confirms its ultra-limited status.

This single cask must be differentiated from contemporary official bottlings, such as the Tobermory 25 Year Old Hebridean Series (48.1% ABV, finished in Oloroso Sherry), which presents a vatted, lower-strength, and sherry-influenced flavour profile.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

Authentication relies heavily on confirming the integrity of the cask details printed on the label: the age (25 Years Old), the bottler (Whisky Broker), the Cask Number (617), and the precise ABV (51.5%). Given the age, cork integrity and fill levels are critical. The expected fill level should be Into Neck, and the label should explicitly confirm the bottling as Natural Colour and Non-Chill-Filtered.

Regulatory/terminology notes

The bottling is certified as Natural Colour and Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF), preserving the spirit's natural oils, fats, and texture. The strength of 51.5% ABV, while slightly lower than straight-from-the-barrel proof, is designated as Cask Strength and significantly above the regulatory minimum, ensuring intense flavour concentration.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The profile is typically described as highly structured, featuring Tobermory’s characteristic coastal and fruit notes, which have achieved deep complexity over two and a half decades in the cask.

Nose: Features notes of fresh Fruit, creamy Vanilla, and the subtle essence of Coastal Forest Floor. Expected notes for aged Tobermory include a clean, crisp character with hints of grass, dry earth, moss, and pebble beach.

Palate: The taste corresponds directly with the nose, providing Soft Fruits and Vanilla, accompanied by a light Pepper spice.3 The texture is oily and robust, often delivering honeycomb, melon, and lemon zest flavours.

Finish: The conclusion is long, with Oak and Vanilla persisting as the Soft Fruits linger. The finish is noted for its smooth texture and complexity, often showing hints of savoury leather, toasted nuts, and warming spices.

With water: Not stated by the producer. The addition of water is reported to enhance the spirit's fruity and almond qualities, resulting in an improved complexity and a slightly tamed pepper spice.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Sold out in primary retail channels. Secondary market demand establishes valuation. Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 130.00 – GBP 140.00.

Price Snapshot

Pricing stratification: This single cask commands a premium over the current general market value for Tobermory 25 Year Old Official Bottlings due to the single cask pedigree, high strength, and NCF/Natural Colour status. The limited outturn of 229 bottles ensures price stability in the secondary market.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is moderate and velocity is steady, driven by dedicated single cask enthusiasts seeking high-aged Island malts. Sourcing is primarily conducted through specialized independent retail or auction channels.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Tobermory Distillery is a historic Island producer renowned for its unpeated spirit. The house style is notably robust and full-bodied, benefiting significantly from long-term maturation, which is often released by independent bottlers like Whisky Broker to showcase the unvarnished character of the spirit.

Sourcing

Target formats/eras to prefer: Exclusively the single cask 25 Year Old, 51.5% ABV bottling (Cask n°617).

Red flags to avoid: Bottles lacking verifiable cask number or those confused with the official 48.1% ABV Hebridean Series.

Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Pristine condition, confirmed NCF/Natural Colour on the label, and high fill level are non-negotiable standards.

Margin/velocity expectations — qualitative: Expect medium velocity and reliable margins, driven by the bottle’s excellent age statement and high proof.