Tomatin 18 YO

Tomatin 18 YO, 46 %

It is not very often I taste single malt from Tomatin. I am not quite sure why, but I think a lot of it has to do with what I perceive as a low profile from the distillery. That might be something particular to the Norwegian market, I am not sure. Anyway, I have recently tasted the Tomatin 18 YO for the first time, and I want to share my impressions with you.

The tasting was half-blind; we knew the whiskies we were served, but not which whisky was in which glass. Also the glasses were dark, so we had no visual clues. This is a fun way of tasting a whisky. Sharpens the senses, at least I imagine it does.

The Tomatin Distillery is located in the Highland region, and was established back in 1897. They mainly produce whisky to go into blends, their own brands Antiquary and Talisman in particular. Over the past decade or so they have expanded and focused more on their range of single malts.

This whisky is finished in Oloroso sherry casks, and bottled at an ABV of 46.

The Tomatin 18 YO is available in Norway at NOK 675 (item number 525001), and in Sweden at SEK 641 (item number 86048). The whisky is listed as being 43 % in Sweden, but I believe that must be a typo. Our bottle is clearly labelled 46 %.

Nose (23/25): Rich,very sweet, like a luxury dessert. Dark chocolate, chocolate confection with some dark, sweet, rich and heavy filling. I also detect lime peel, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and hint of pepper with a whiff of smoke. After a while there are a few late arrivals to the party; ginger, oak, dry saw dust and a drop of balsamic vinegar. Really like this nose, as it is so rich and complex.

Taste (21/25): Medium body, very soft and smooth. It sort of embraces and comforts each taste bud. Alas, the taste itself is not quite on the high level of the nose. I find white and black pepper, fruit salad, dark chocolate and a bit of oakiness.

Finish (21/25): Even more fruity now, but it is a light and fresh fruit salad, not a heavy dessert. Some caramel towards the end. A relatively long and pleasant finish.

Balance (22/25): I can certainly detect the sherry influence on the nose, but not so much on the taste here. It is a rich and comfortable whisky - it is good company in a glass. A fine dram!

Score (87/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas