Tomatin 12 Years Old Highland Single Malt Whisky review and tasting notes
The Tomatin 12 years Highland Single Malt whiskey is a very direct, rich distillate, with a ripe and enveloping fruit, but never exaggerated as oxidation and, above all, it has delicate peat that gives elegance and depth. Often peat is a way to reaffirm belonging to a territory and a style as for the single malts of Islay; instead, this son of the Highland malt tickles you with a whispered peat, perfectly integrated into a soft aromatic framework.
Let’s face it, among the 40 euros single malts, it is one of the most balanced and harmonious: everything is perfectly dosed, it does not unbutton, but the relationship between maturity, softness, heat, spices, creaminess and smokiness is excellent. Maybe he misses that flair of the champion, but for such an affordable price, we can’t complain and after all, this Tomatin 12 is the distillery’s entry-level whiskey and therefore we certainly can’t complain. It is more than a decent product.
Organoleptic characteristics of Tomatin 12 Highland Single Malt
The nose is sweet, spicy, dominated by sweet spices such as cinnamon, pepper and cloves. The fruit is caramelized but refreshed with green notes and hints of orange. While it tends to be a simple whiskey, it has a certain floral elegance that helps to break the spicy dominance. The oxidized finish of raisins and dates adds further thickness, without “upsetting” the malt. A hint of pepper and herbs emerges in the finish and makes its way through an avalanche of chocolate and butter.
On the palate, it is more than discreet, clean. It flows smoothly, driven by green and still citrus flavors. The nose deceives, but in the mouth, it is precise, compact, sharp, furrowed with nutty flavors and slightly tannic with walnuts and almonds. Closes fresh, herbaceous, sinuous and never weighed down.
In summary, it will not be the single malt Scotch that will change your life, but if you are looking for a smooth but articulate and never banal whiskey, and even slightly peaty, consider it without delay.
How Tomatin 12 is made
The malt comes from the Scottish Highlands and is treated with care and pot stills. After 11 years of aging in used ex-bourbon barrels, 250-liter hogshead refills and 500-liter sherry barrels, the distillate is mixed and rests for another 9 months in used barrels for the production of oloroso sherry. A fundamental step that rounds, adds softness and nutty tones, pumping oxygen and releasing very intense fruity aromas. The alcohol content of Tomatin 12 years is 43 degrees; they raised it slightly: in previous editions, it was 40.
Price of Tomatin 12
40-45 euros: a fabulous price for an elegant distillate, not too stylized, very pleasant and studied in every detail to offer endless pleasure.
Food Pairings
Chocolate, salmon terrines, brisket and pulled pork, chocolate cupcakes, cheesecakes, ciambella, Tiramisù or chocolate salami.
Cocktail to make
Rob Roy, Whiskey Sour, Godfather, Rusty Nail.