Tomatin 12 Year Old

This is my first ever Tomatin. It's a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. It says "finished" in sherry casks, so who knows what that means? Finished for how long? 2 years? 10 Minutes? Somewhere in between? Well, let's see what this is all about.

• Nose (undiluted): Lovely! Quite surprising given my complete lack of expectations. definitely an Oloroso-type sherry note, red licorice (cherry NIBS), almonds, a bit of vanilla, some hints of oak and barrel char, very reminiscent of Glendronach 12.
• Palate (undiluted): medium bodied, more red fruit, baked apples, more nuttiness
• Finish: short to medium length, vanilla, coconut, pears, a bit of barley sugar, more oak

As this was an easy drinking sample, I didn't see the point in adding water. It's only bottled at 43% abv, and any lower would just be unnecessary. It isn't über-complex, but it's not as bland and predictable as most entry-level offerings. I'm quite surprised and impressed by this malt. At $59 per bottle in Ontario, I'll definitely be purchasing a full bottle.

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