Some time ago Kirsch Import presented a Mission Gold bottling exclusive to Germany. Soon after the Wu Dram Clan also came out with a Murray McDavid release, this time a 30 year old Tobermory from French Allier Oak.
Tobermory 30 yo 1995 (52,4%, Murray McDavid ‘Mission Gold’ for Wu Dram Clan 2025, French Allier oak cask #9, 268 btl.)
Nose: stewed apples with a drizzle of caramel. Caramelized peanuts and chestnuts, along with a fresher hint of juicy plum, blackberry, strawberry and orange peels. Some honey and golden raisins. There’s also a light coastal note, crushed mint leaves and baking spice.
Mouth: rich but a little wine-driven, or so it seems. I’m getting a mulled wine or even a light Calvados sensation. Red grapes, plums, baked apples and spices like clove and verbena. Then few drops of crème de menthe or herbal liqueur. Then herbal tea, then back to raisins, walnuts and salted caramel. It goes in different directions.
Finish: quite long, with a deep sweetness, hints of marmalade, oak spice and lingering nutty notes.
Well, the French oak lends it a richness but also a nervous character, slightly pressure-cooked. It certainly grew on me, despite the wine-y edge. Still available in German stores for around € 290.