I bought a sample of this Tobermory long ago, with the information that it would be a late 1970s bottling. However the history of the distillery was quite irregular at that time – in fact the distillery had been inactive for most parts of its life since the foundation in 1798.
Since 1930 Tobermory was closed and reopened several times and was only operational between 1972-1975 (as Ledaig, partly owned by sherry bodegas Domecq), 1979-1981 (Tobermory), and then again from 1989 (under Burn Stewart). This leaves me a bit puzzled as to when this bottle was released exactly, but I reckon it must have been in the period around 1980.
Tobermory NAS
(40%, OB +/- 1980, 75 cl)
Tobermory NASNose: quite oily and waxy, with a vague sweetness underneath (peaches, oranges, maybe pineapple). Then some mineral notes, flints and a hint of wet newspaper. Sweet mint. Just a little silver polish too.
Mouth: similar sweet minty notes, yellow apples and oranges. Still this mineral / coastal side, as well as some peaty notes now. Limited complexity but pretty nice.
Finish: rather short, with a lemon and salt combo and some coastal notes.
A rather simple Tobermory but not bad at all. Subtle peaty notes (although this is no Ledaig) and a little OBE perhaps.
Score: 80/100