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This 12 year old was released in late 2003 to replace the 10 year old. A medium-bodied single malt from the Tomatin distillery.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose
Medium-bodied and well-balanced. There are notes of toasted cereals and barley. Hints of winter spice and buttery pepper emanating from the toasty oak. Hints of dark sugar and cut flowers with a note of malt extract, rum and apple peel.
Palate
Good body and quite sweet. There are notes of fudge and dark sugar, winter spice and a touch of vinosity, notes of toffee apple and Bramley peel with notes of dried herbs.
Finish
Good length with notes of boiled sweets and fruity sweetness.
750mL bottle @ 43%abv. Aged 12 years and finished in sherry casks for 6-9 months. While not quite of the same level of sophistication as Glenmorangie Lasanta 12, Glendronach, or Aberlour, this is a very nice sherry finished dram for the price - I paid only $28USD for my bottle! Some yeasty/overripe banana/alcohol notes in the nose, but also some nice fresh fruit (lemon/pear) and cotton candy/marshmallow notes. Taste is similar, with a nice sherry finish. A bit of spring water opens up the citrus and pear notes, but detracts from the overall character. A good single malt, and a great mixer at a reasonable price. Also an excellent bottle to keep in your cabinet as an offering to guests to keep them out of your expensive liquor.
Master of Malt Customer Nov 14, 2014
Nice and smooth
To start off, the bland color doesn't really appeal to me. But luckily, it doesn't indicate the quality of whisky. Sniffing some of the scent, I smell freshly cut grass and hints of oak wood. The taste is really friendly and easy going. No drama, no hotness, nice and smooth with fruity impressions such as juicy apples. The finish tends to get a bit more spikey and it doesn't hold back on the fruitiness. I have to agree with the review below me: it's kind of flat and monotone, but sometimes predictability works very well for me. (RB)
Master of Malt Customer Sep 6, 2014
OK, but the depth of a blended scotch
When compared back-to-back with Aberlour 16 (one of my favorites) it's remarkable how much less of everything there is... less depth, less character and less change on the palate. The persons who described it as "light honey" are right. I was able to buy it in the states for $31 -- no complaints. I may keep one in the liquor cabinet just to make tasting more varied. Some will love the easy-drinking character.
Master of Malt Customer Jul 31, 2014
Great flavors
I love the explosions of flavors from this single malt. One of my top choices for relaxing at the end of the day. I'm on my 2nd bottle and will continue to keep this one stocked in my "refreshment" cabinet.
Master of Malt Customer Jul 10, 2014
Pleasantly surprised!
My local liquor store had this on sale, and I almost didn't buy it based on the reviews here...glad that my internal accountant won! For $30, I think this is a great value. It is undoubtedly "light," but do you always want a heavy dram? On the nose, I first had a very Old Pulteney-like whiff of brine. As it aired, tangerine (sweet citrus) grew and mixed for a salty, sweet citrusy aroma. A few minutes longer, and I smelled vanilla and toffee (and this is on no oxidation in the bottle). Taste was consistent with the nose, but adding cinnamon and other spices (maybe even pepper like jalapeño?). I occasionally tasted herbal notes (green tea?). Finish carried the vanilla. I had zero rubbing alcohol here. I can't wait to see what happens with this bottle over time and will definitely buy again. For reference - I'm generally unable to drink islay whiskys unless I want the sensation of licking burnt wood (bunnahabhain excepted), with my staple dram being glenmorangie (as I always trust I can drink that neat anytime, anywhere). We all have individual palates - this dram may be better suited for more sensitive types, especially newbies that find peated whiskies unpalatable.
