Tomatin 1988

*Another sample graciously provided by a fellow Connosr

I believe this expression was launched in 2016 to replace a 30 year old core range bottle, this was before the rebrand. Matured in a mix of Bourbon & Port casks.

Nose: Fresh, apples, gooseberry, quince, damsons, black grapes, plasticine, a touch of blond tobacco & the merest hint of smoke. It has a green kind of note, stems, grassy, a mix of chalky and sour candies, with time, there's some firm oak, green peppercorn, cedar, the Port might have come from French oak barrels.

Palate: Sour, waxy, coconut, gooseberry, white grape, melon, a little walnut oil, creamed honey. Powdered ginger, cardamom, a little lime peel and tannic black tea.The astringent oak and sour fruit come together, but the kind of creamy vanilla/honey thing prevents it from staying sour all the time.

Finish: Chilis, floral, a little cinammon, lots of oak tannins, digestive biscuits, an empty pack of cigarettes, raisins and chalk.

Blab: What a fantastic whisky, Tomatin can be this super fruity, floral/waxy thing and here the Port casks are not too dominant, they help add some tannic structure and dark notes whereas all the refill bourbon would probably have remained sour and tart. Tomatin is often overlooked but having tried many single cask and a few older expression I think the distillate has character and here you get a lovely deft blend of casks that aren't too aggresive. I wish I'd picked one up when a store had them at 40% off...live & learn.

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