Tomatin 12 Year Old

I bought this online at my local liquor store for $35. I include the price for record. I unusual have many open bottles of whiskey in the bar. For quite some time I hadn’t opened or purchased anything new. I’m not sure why that was, rising prices of whiskey maybe. I haven’t noticed this in the store before but my salesman gave me a sample and I enjoyed it. Took 3 bottles home.

Tomatin is one of the most northern distilleries in the highlands. They have a simple website with descriptions of there whisky and news about upcoming changes. One bit of bad news on their website said their 15 year old and 30 Year Old expressions will be removed, better buy while they last. I sampled the 15 and it was very good. One bit of good news on their website a 14 year old Port Wood Finish and a batch release 1988 vintage are being introduced.

The 12 Year Old is finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks for the last six to nine months of its maturation. I like the sound of that. I use to be a sherry fiend. I now prefer lighter sherry flavors, more complex scotches. The 12 Year Old is now being sold at 43% alc./vol. increased from 40%. I like the sound of that. If you tried their early 40% version you might want to consider trying the new 43% version. Let me know if there is a difference.

Smell: Light oloroso sherry sent, zest, honey, Malted barley, maltomeal, grass. It has some perfume scents. I can smell orange zest, Slight florist’s shop smells (flowers, leaves). It has a hint of a peaty side too, sea shore. There is a scent of linen, hint of tea, leather or tobacco.

Palette: It has a peppery taste right away 43% ABV, a little dry and nice pepper spice. It’s lightly sweet and I like that. I taste figs, cheese, hazel nuts and a little salted butter.

Finish: The finish is medium long. It’s a well-balanced. Less sherry allows the other flavors come out and last.

Water: This opened the oloroso and peat a Little more on the nose and pallet. It cuts the Talisker pepper down and other savory flavors, didn’t like that. Now that I said it, neat its (Talisker / JW green) – ish. I’ll drink it neat, if you like more sherry add the water. I think they got it right at 43% ABV.

Conclusion: I’m very pleased and I enjoyed two drams easily. I never really heard of Tomatin before this summer but I’m glad I bought this one.

I will see how it’s affected by air after a few months and post an update.

Recommended: Above average scotch, great value.

Find where to buy Tomatin whisky