Tomintoul Tlàth

A no-age-statement from Tomintoul, it is pleasant enough showing notes of malt, honey, biscuit or pie crust and a bit of spice and a waxy mouthfeel. There is no peat or sherry or cognac, just the basic malt. I find no fault in that. What I do fault is this tends to be over priced, running $40-45 per bottle. I found mine on sale for $20, similar to Speyburn Bradan Orach. If you can get it for a price near that, it is a good deal. However, in the $40-45 price range there are several 10-12 year old single malts out there that give a superior value.

Aroma: sweet corn with white sugar syrup, fresh milk, summer florals, vanilla, yellow pears, and some vegetal scents. Water reveals fresh oranges. Taste: super light and flat, a light sweetness and sourness initially, then some vegetal notes on the palate too. Finish: a wild mix of fruits and vegetables but not really discernible, first a bit sweet then a young sharpness. Conclusion: forgettable but thankfully not too sweet, even becomes a bit unpleasant after a while.

Five minutes after resting, the aroma presents creamy citrus, peach, vanilla, caramel, floral notes, honey, apple, ginger, and later on, milk chocolate. The taste offers sweet malt, honey, ginger, apple, and a creamy mouthfeel, transitioning to vanilla and chocolate, with some orchard fruit and a late pepper spice. The finish is moderate and brief.

It truly lives up to its 'gentle' name. It's a touch sweeter than my usual preference, and I find it somewhat one-dimensional. While the flavor profile is pleasant, it fades quickly, leaving a somewhat unremarkable finish.

Considering its price, this is an acceptable Scotch (purchased for $25 in Houston). I'm unsure about the specific tasting notes and would need to try it again. However, I found it to be a reasonable spirit for the cost.

A Speyside floral and dry. Disappointing on the palate, doesn't engage me, remains very flat. Little aroma, just alcoholic. The finish is better, but overall a very average whisky.