Tomatin 12 Year Old Single Malt
So regulars to the blog will know I had the pleasure of
dropping by the Tomatin distillery which is just off the A9 in-between
Inverness and Aviemore. It's an impressive complex in its own right, only a
stone's throw away from the main road route through the Highlands. Yet like its
discreet position, it has a low profile in Scotland.
You can see some of the photographs here that I took on my
brief visit. It is a huge distillery, almost military in size and layout;
needless to say it’s the largest example in Scotland. Owned by the Takara Corporation
it's a popular component in blends. However like Clynelish, some of Tomatin’s
editions warrant a better fate.
I picked up the main three bottling’s, namely a 12 year old,
15 year old and the 18 year releases. Here are my thoughts, starting with the
youngest...
Aroma:
Complex, rich malt, fruity aromas
Palate:
A unique combination of attractive flavours - a balance of
stewed apples, pears, malt with a gentle hint of nuttiness
Finish:
Smooth, sweet and very satisfying
Comments:
A real surprise, I wasn't expecting much from this staple
blend filler. Yet this is a Speyside tasting malt with a vibrancy and freshness
that will appeal to all. The finish is subtle, unlike the 15 year old, which
I'll get onto later this week.
No match for the 10 year Glenmorangie but a worthy contender
in the supermarket isle if you fancy a well-priced single malt.