TOMATIN CASK STRENGTH

Back in June ( 2016) I had the pleasure of visiting the Tomatin distillery where I was introduced to some of the staff and given a tour which was the cask tasting tour..  While on the tour my guide ( Scott ) chatted about the core range and single cask selection and the different make up of each of the core range.. This is where I decided I should do the full core range as soon as I could.. I have mentioned when I reviewed the single casks available for BYO that I didn’t know too much about Tomatin but that has changed, those single casks really did turn on a switch that made me want to taste a lot more from these guys.. So this review is the first of many from the core range and is batch 1 cask strength, this was introduced in 2015 to the core range and is matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks.. This is also NCF, natural colour and at a cask strength of 57.5%abv.. Already in my good books.. 3 big ticks there..

Nose.. Toffee and caramel are instantly recognisable with a little apple peel and soft poached pear with maple syrup. Eventually some orange and faint dark fruit notes arrive with a sugared almond aroma in the background.

 

Palate.. Very fresh and more on the fruity side.. Lots of apple, pear and a little peach. Toffee brings back the sweetness almond with caramel and vanilla. Some spicy notes do appear in the form on ginger and the faintest hint of cinnamon,  bitter chocolate and wood spice bring an interesting twist..

 

Finish.. A medium sweet finish.

 

Thoughts.. This shows a lot of promise and quality but I can’t help but wonder where the sherry side was hiding.  As an everyday drink this deserves its place on my shelf, I would be very happy to pour and savour this expression, and at cask strength it is still very easy to drink.  It is quite light and with a fresh mouth feel it will make a great   dram to share with your friends on those late evenings when all you want to do is relax and enjoy some quality malts..