Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2009 PX Sherry Quarter Cask Finish

Tomintoul 14yo 2009 PX A limited single malt from Tomintoul distillery in Speyside, distilled in 2009 and aged for 14 years. It initially matured in American oak bourbon casks, then finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry quarter casks from master distiller Robert Fleming's selection. Bottled at 46% ABV, with natural color and no chill filtration. Tasting Notes: Nose - Rich, sweet notes of nutty maple, prunes, and dates, with chocolate fudge and fragrant oak. The dark, age-burnished copper color suggests what's to come; it's the natural color, no artificial coloring added. Palate - The richness from the nose carries through, with dark chocolate truffles, maple and pecans, spiced sultanas, and deep earthy notes of roasted nuts and coffee. The spirit feels dense, almost thick, and delivers flavor that leaves you wanting more. Finish - Warming, sweet notes of baking spice, chocolate-covered coffee beans, and nuts. I have a special fondness for Tomintoul, even though their standard offerings are usually diluted to 40% ABV and chill-filtered (a travesty in my opinion). But I forgive them because the spirit is so excellent despite those choices. This 14 YO PX demonstrates what this great distillery is capable of when given more creative freedom from the business and marketing departments.