Tomatin 12 Year Bourbon & Sherry Casks

This is my third Tomatin expression following the Cu Bocan and the 14 yr Port finish. I enjoyed both of those bottles so let’s see what the base expression has to offer. The 12 year is aged in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels. It’s bottled at 43% ABV and is a bright gold in the glass.Not sure about coloring or chill-filtering. The color makes me think it’s not colored. Tomatin is a distillery that was built specifically to produce malt for blends. When the current whisky boom hit, they began to bottle their spirit as a single malt. It produces quick skinny legs when given a spin. The nose is primarily sweet floral barley. There are also subdued notes of raisins, figs, and orchard fruits - apples and pears. Nice, but nothing special. The palate has light honey, and the orchard fruits carry over from the nose. Some biscuity notes make an appearance on the back end. There is a thin mouthfeel that some reviewers have described as “silky”. I’d have to agree with that characterization. The finish is moderately short with cinnamon and cloves, dry oak tannins, and just a wisp of smoke at the end. For $33 this is not a bad value malt. It won’t change your world but it will make you happy. 3/5. Cheers!

Smooth

Pours a medium gold, tinged with copper. Nose is soft, a little sweet and somewhat floral. Palate is similar, with a short burst of potency near the finish. Simple and straightforward, but a good value.