Tomatin Cù Bòcan

It's not bad, but feels like a gimmick and is too expensive. This is another producer of unpeated whiskies that is bottling a young, peated spirit and charging a premium for it. It lacks a clear identity: a jumble of flavors, mostly too faint, that don't quite come together. It has light smokiness (like campfire smoke, not the deep, green, earthy smoke from Islay), with notes of light orchard fruits, light berries. Vanilla, butterscotch, artificial butter flavor, grapefruit, and citrus pith. A hint of stomach bile. It tastes young, sour, and doughy. It's light on the palate, with some faint tropical fruits, peppery notes, floral hints (heather), and a bit of saltiness. It reminds me of a lightly smoky blend or a less-known brand similar to Highland Park.

It's challenging to rate a spirit when its youth dictates its complexity, a peculiar issue I've encountered with all my reviews tonight. Nose: YOUNG, with notes of spice, citrus, and an earthy character. Palate: This presents with spice, citrus, and vanilla. Then oak emerges, along with lighter earthy tones, richer vanilla, and even some toasted barrel oak. It's a skillfully crafted spirit, though it doesn't offer the value of the 12 or 18 year old Tomatin, but it is distinctive. Would I purchase it again? No. For $20? Still no. Am I regretful I tried it? I'm not displeased. Score: 1.25. I don't understand it. There is quality here, but I would never encourage anyone to spend money on this.

Aroma of mild peat and milk chocolate, with smoke like embers. The palate is very gentle, with peat, embers, and lots of ripe tropical fruit. The finish is medium-short with red fruit notes. It's decent, not what one might expect from a Speyside whisky. Rating 3.75

This whiskey is intriguing but makes me desire something smokier. I believe I would prefer an Islay if I were to choose this type of spirit. Nose: Burning leaves, brine, vanilla, lemon. Palate: Vanilla, salt, lemon, slight smoke, pepper, savory. Finish: Medium, with slight smoke and ash. Mouthfeel: A bit thin, but overall it doesn't detract from the whiskey.

Nose. Fresh and light, predominantly grapefruit. A faint hint of smoke is detectable with effort. Palate. Citrus (grapefruit) and spice. Again, a subtle smokiness is present if you pay close attention. Finish. A lasting warmth. Despite a peat level of only 15ppm, I anticipated more peat and smoke from this, leading to some disappointment.

The aroma is reminiscent of bacon cooked in a pan with a pear slice nearby. The whiskey offers a sweet and smoky taste. It has a richer, fuller mouthfeel. The smoke is prominent in the finish, returning to peppery and sweet notes. It has a moderate duration.