Tomatin 18 Year Oloroso Sherry Casks

Bottled 2017. I’m probably going to restock on Tomatin’s 12, 15, and 18 soon. Tomatin makes competent single malts at unbelievable prices. I’ve seen this 18 year old as low as $70. To be sure, Tomatin does nose and taste like an economy malt; but compared to other economy malts I’ve tried: Glen Moray, Tullibardine, Speyburn; Tomatin is actually enjoyable enough to buy a full bottle. If I had this blind, I probably would’ve guessed it was 12-15 years old, not 18; unless I could pick up that it was Tomatin. Tomatin distillate actually has a characterful green apple and pear fruitiness that is quite identifiable for me. The oloroso sherry cask influence is obvious, but superficial. The raisins, sultanas, plums, and nutmeg are on the surface of this dram, but they do not plant any roots into the base of this whisky, which is grassy and honeyed. If you try too hard to search for a deeper meaning in this whisky, you will find flawed spices and vanilla notes from exhausted wood from a refill of a refill of a refill… This whisky is best enjoyed with only part of your attention; it is a fine dram to sip on while cooking, for example, which is fine, given the asking price. In the end, this whisky is far from memorable; but the price is also far from being unfair. Score: 0 (forgettable) How much does a bottle cost: $70-100 How much do I think a bottle is worth: $75