In 2014, the Tomatin 12 Year Old was given an update and bottled at 43% ABV rather 40%, as it was previously. This core single malt from the ace distillery in the Highlands is finished for six-to-nine months in Oloroso Sherry casks before being bottled.
Buttery at first, but notes of cooked apple, raisin and almond soon emerge. There are resinous and floral hints as well as some chocolate.
Oak-y vanilla and fresh mint, dotted with stem ginger, a touch of guava and dried orange peel.
Currant buns, a hint of raspberry jam, barley.
This is my "go to" whisky for home use, either if I have guests or just looking to end the day with a drink, - this whisky is just perfect!
I won’t profess to being an expert or connoisseur of single malts. I do however know my way around a bourbon shelf. Tomatin 12 doesn’t resemble a bourbon except that they are both liquid in form. I was in search of a Scotch and something different and didn’t wish to break the bank. One can pay in excess of $85 US for a good bottle of Scotch but you don’t have to with Tomatin 12. It has very good essence and if fulfilling at the price point...
The alcohol overpowers the flavors. Adding some water helped, a little.
I have to agree with the others who felt that it had hints of turpentine and that it was quite astringent. It was a gift gift. Personally, I prefer the peatiness of the Islay.
Somehow, the Legacy seemed smoother. This had an astringency on the nose, but the I could detect shortbread, leather, toffee and vanilla. The palate was buttery with citrus, and after a few drops of water it became sweeter and the vanilla notes became more pronounced. The finish was a long, malty finish with leather and pecan. A minute later I could still taste the leather.
