Tomintoul 12 Year Oloroso Cask Finish

Nose: Smells of sherry, dark malt, mixed peel, dried fruits, nutmeg, walnuts, scorched almonds, a touch of vanilla, and plenty of caramelized sugars. It's like a rich, moist, dark fruitcake soaked in sherry. Palate: A subtle malty beginning. The flavor develops into dark sugar, mild chocolate, crème anglaise, nutmeg and other gentle spices, nougat, and caramel fudge. There are also some very pleasant berry and red grape notes, and the texture is creamy and juicy, making your mouth water. No need to add water. Finish: Medium to long. Pleasantly warming and mild with a distinct brown sugar aftertaste. This is clearly a Tomintoul 10 year old that has been finished in substantial oloroso casks. The base character is identical to the 10 year old, and the subtle sweet cereal and floral grassy notes, though hidden under a heavy layer of first-fill sherry, still define the expression. However, the sherry component is the immediate standout. The aroma is more intense than the 10 year old, and the palate, which starts very gradually, expands smoothly into a surprisingly long finish. This is where the full power of the sherry emerges. It's a calm and slightly unusual progression into a very warm, sweet, and lush conclusion, and it would likely be best enjoyed with equally sweet and rich foods instead of on its own. It would serve as an excellent alternative to a digestif sauternes or sherry, perhaps with dried fruit and a ripe brie or camembert. If that was the intended way to enjoy this whisky, then it offers good value for the price. As an everyday drink, however, it might be a bit too sweet. Tasted from a 30ml sample. "Average": 77/100 (2.5 stars)

While on holiday, I had a meal with an old acquaintance from university, whom I had not met in over 8 years! Not only did they prepare a tasty meal for us, but they also shared a fantastic, though overlooked, scotch (at least in the US, where it's hard to find). Tomintoul is situated in the Highlands, within the borders of Cairngorms National Park. It's promoted as "the gentle dram," much like Dalwhinnie, another Highland scotch. The aroma of Tomintoul offers caramel macchiato, malt, and apple. Upon tasting, I notice subtle vanilla cream, apple, and powdered sugar. Sherry appears in the aftertaste. Seriously, the distillery should release this scotch at 46% to 48% ABV. It would be amazing at that strength. In places where it can be bought, it costs about $45, which is a good deal.

The aroma brings to mind a Speyside aged in sherry casks, presenting abundant butterscotch and red berries. I perceive slightly more ethanol heat than anticipated for an 80 proof spirit. While the initial taste leaves a comforting, drawn-out warmth on the rear of my tongue, the middle palate is unremarkable, featuring only subtle hints of honey and wood. It seems to transition rapidly to the finish, lacking substantial initial flavor. It's not a poor drink, merely rather ordinary. A peculiar experience; virtually no presence at the beginning, followed by an extended fruity conclusion.

As a recognized expert states, this sherry-forward spirit delivers prominent sherry characteristics and warmth right at the start. It's surprising how it seems stronger than its stated 40% ABV, closer to 46%. The finish is unusual, with a detectable peatiness, perhaps a 1 or 2 on a scale where Lagavulin 16 is 100. I'd suggest this to anyone wanting to grasp or identify sherry profiles in spirits. After tasting this, you'll be able to recognize sherry notes in any whisky.

Nose: Delicate overall, with floral notes, vanilla sweetness, hints of red berries, and a touch of sulfur. Palate: Begins with caramel sweetness and moderate spice, evolving into a peppery pungency toward the finish, similar to the 10-year-old expression. Finish: The sweetness and peppery notes vanish quickly, leaving only a bitter oakiness and some sourness, reminiscent of the taste after consuming beer. A hint of saltiness is present.

Nose: Pleasant sweetness with notes of raisins, dried fruit, and hay. Palate: Features toffee, sweet barley sugar, blackcurrant, faint smoke, and malty barley. Finish: A moderately short conclusion with hints of orange peel, mild smoke, and honey. Leaves a slightly tart sweetness on the palate. This is a mellow, pure, and crisp drink. Effortless to consume. While not exceptional, it's an enjoyable pour.