The Hebridean Series is a rare collection of whiskies unlike any other. A tribute to the landscape, heritage, and character of Mull. Each expression reveals a new chapter in the island’s story, from picturesque harbours and ancient coastlines, to centuries-old traditions and unmatched natural beauty. As the series has unfolded, each release - inspired by a different aspect or element of Mull - has showcased the evolution of our much-loved Tobermory spirit, shaped by time, expert craftsmanship and the unique influence of our Hebridean home.
To delve deeper into this extraordinary collection, we spoke with Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez, who shared her insights on the series’ development, surprises, and how these whiskies compare to the beloved Tobermory 15 Year Old. Throughout this blog, you'll also find Master Blender Mentions, where Julieann provides expert commentary on the role of ABV and cask influence in shaping the character of each expression.
Now, as we reach the final release, we look back at the journey that brought us here - one that reflects the essence of Mull in every drop.
EXPLORING THE SERIES
TOBERMORY 23 YEAR OLD
INSPIRED BY TOBERMORY BAY
Tobermory’s colourful harbour has long been a sanctuary for sailors and travellers, a place where stories and traditions are shared. The 23 Year Old celebrates this spirit of connection and adventure, embodying the warmth and welcome of the town’s historic waterfront.
MASTER BLENDER MENTIONS:
At 46.3% ABV, the 23 Year Old offers a gentle yet rich profile. It balances sweetness and salinity, with layers of vanilla, ripe oranges, and a comforting fruitcake character. The influence of sherry is present but not overpowering, allowing for a smooth, well-rounded dram with caramelised walnuts and a lingering, slightly salty finish.
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TOBERMORY 24 YEAR OLD
INSPIRED BY THE COAST
From rugged cliffs to tranquil shores, Mull’s coastline is a constant dance between power and serenity. The 24 Year Old whisky mirrors this contrast, capturing the island’s untamed nature while maintaining a sense of balance and refinement.
MASTER BLENDER MENTIONS:
With a higher ABV of 52.5%, the 24 Year Old brings intensity and warmth, enhancing the interplay of dark fruits, nutmeg, and cinnamon spice. The oak influence is more pronounced, adding depth with notes of hazelnut and salted caramel, while the sherry cask finish lends a richness that lingers on the palate.
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TOBERMORY 25 YEAR OLD
INSPIRED BY THE CROFT
The 25 Year Old honours the hardworking spirit of Mull’s crofting communities - those who have shaped the land with resilience and skill. Just as crofters work with nature to sustain their way of life, this whisky is crafted with patience and care, revealing layers of history with every sip.
MASTER BLENDER MENTIONS:
Surprisingly light and fresh for its age, the 25 Year Old (48.1% ABV) introduces unexpected notes of peaches, lemon peel, and a delicate floral touch alongside classic sherried richness. The slightly lower ABV helps the floral and fruity complexity shine, while the finish remains clean with nutmeg warmth and lingering poached pears.
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TOBERMORY 26 YEAR OLD
INSPIRED BY THE WHITE-TAILED EAGLE
Once lost from Britain’s skies, the white-tailed eagle returned to Mull, where it now thrives as a symbol of resilience and grace. The 26 Year Old whisky celebrates this majestic bird, soaring in its depth and complexity, much like the eagles that command the island’s horizon.
MASTER BLENDER MENTIONS:
At 49.4% ABV, the 26 Year Old balances sweetness and spice effortlessly. Notes of vanilla toffee, walnuts, and cinnamon pastries intertwine with dried fruits and subtle toasted malt, showcasing the whisky’s added maturity. The interplay between sweet and savoury elements creates a refined, full-bodied dram with a satisfying, chocolate-hazelnut finish.
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TOBERMORY 27 YEAR OLD
INSPIRED BY AN ICONIC WAYMAKER
For centuries, Duart Castle has stood as a beacon over the Sound of Mull, watching over generations of seafarers. The 27 Year Old brings the series to a fitting close, honouring Mull’s maritime history with a whisky as rich and enduring as the island itself.
MASTER BLENDER MENTIONS:
With the highest ABV of the series at 53.1%, the 27 Year Old delivers an opulent experience. Brambles, marmalade, and apricot take centre stage, balanced by honey-roasted nuts and mellow cinnamon spice. The treacle toffee and fig notes create a luxurious depth, while the full-bodied structure leads to a long, warming finish of red berry compote, mandarins, and nutmeg.
JULIEANN FERNANDEZ ON THE HEBRIDEAN SERIES: SURPRISES, LEGACY AND FAVOURITES
To gain a deeper insight into the Hebridean Series, we sat down with Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez, to reflect on the journey.
WHICH OF THE DRAMS WAS THE BIGGEST SUPRISE?
“The 25 Year Old, without a doubt. As the series progressed, I expected the whiskies to lean heavily into dark berries and spice, but the 25 Year Old introduced these unexpectedly light, fresh notes—stone fruits, a floral bouquet—something we hadn’t seen before. It brought a beautiful vibrancy that really stood out.”
NOW THAT THE SERIES IS COMING TO A CLOSE, HOW DO THE RELEASES COMPARE TO THE ORIGINAL TOBERMORY 15 YEAR OLD?
“The unpeated, fruity, maritime character of the 15 Year Old is still there, but with time, the whisky has deepened. Those extra years of maturation have brought more pronounced sherry notes, antique oak, and dark chocolate, creating a velvety, luxurious mouthfeel. The spice and oak were always present in the 15, but they’ve become more refined, interwoven seamlessly into each expression.”
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE IN THE SERIES?
“The 26 Year Old was the one that stood out for me. It had everything - rich fruit, warming spice, citrus, and that slight saltiness - all wrapped up in a velvety package. It captured the essence of Tobermory perfectly, balancing the sherry influence with a light vibrancy that made it incredibly unique.”
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THE ISLE OF MULL IN EVERY DROP
The Hebridean Series is more than just a collection of aged single malts - it’s a story of Mull itself. From the bustling harbour to the soaring eagles, from the crofters’ fields to the mighty sea, each release celebrates a different facet of the island's character. From croft to castle, sky to shore, each whisky in this collection embodies the spirit of our island home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: THE HEBRIDEAN SERIES
1. WHAT IS THE HEBRIDEAN SERIES?
The Hebridean Series is a collection of five limited-edition aged single malts from Tobermory Distillery, each inspired by the rich heritage, landscapes, and maritime influences of the Isle of Mull.
2. HOW MANY WHISKIES ARE IN THE SERIES?
The series features five expressions: Tobermory 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 Year Old, each offering a unique take on Tobermory’s signature unpeated style.
3. WHAT MAKES EACH EXPRESSION DIFFERENT?
Each whisky in the series is inspired by a different, distinctive aspect of the Isle of Mull. They have been carefully finished in González Byass Oloroso sherry casks and matured for an increasing number of years, creating layers of complexity. The ABV varies between releases, enhancing different elements of flavour from fruit and spice to nutty and maritime notes.
4. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE HEBRIDEAN SERIES?
The series celebrates the spirit of Mull, drawing inspiration from the island’s coastline, wildlife, seafaring heritage, and crofting traditions. Each release tells a story of Mull’s past and present, reflected in the depth and character of the whisky.
5. HOW DOES THE HEBRIDEAN SERIES COMPARE TO THE ORIGINAL TOBERMORY 15 YEAR OLD?
According to Master Blender Julieann Fernandez, the Tobermory 15 laid the foundation for this series, with its unpeated, fruit-forward, and maritime character. Over time, additional years of maturation have deepened the complexity, bringing out richer sherry influences, antique oak, and luxurious spice notes.
6. WHAT IS THE ABV IMPACT ON EACH WHISKY?
The lower ABVs (Tobermory 23 and 25) create a smoother, more rounded mouthfeel, allowing softer notes of honey, fruit, and vanilla to shine. The higher ABVs (Tobermory 24, 26, and 27) introduce greater intensity, enhancing the impact of spice, dark fruits, and oak.
8. WILL THERE BE ANOTHER SERIES AFTER THE HEBRIDEAN SERIES?
Tobermory 27 Year Old is the final release in The Hebridean Series, but Tobermory Distillery continues to innovate, so whisky lovers can expect more exceptional expressions in the future.
9. WHERE CAN I PURHCASE THE HEBRIDEAN SERIES WHISKIES?
These limited-edition releases are available from Tobermory Distillery and select retailers. Due to their exclusivity, availability may be limited. The newly launched 27 Year Old is exclusively available at Berry Bros. & Rudd from the 26th of February 2025, and will be available at Tobermory Distillery and selected retailers globally from the 12th of March 2025.
