Tomatin 18

A bottling that has been phased out for fancier packaging. Tomatin has given itself a bit of a makeover in recent years, though the focus of the whisky is still on what it knows best - slightly sherried Speysider with a fruity characteristic. The sherry doesn't hide the fruit underneath, and this un-sherry-bombness helps the distillate to shine.

This Tomatin won a best in category at the 20145 World Whisky Awards.

Tomatin 18 (abv 46%)

Image courtesy of the Whisky Exchange

Nose - Honey, grapes, some raisins. This is somewhat spicy too, with a light dusting of cinnamon. There's also a light suggestion of smoke and meatiness. Promising!

Palate - This reminds me a little of a Craigellachie - there's a meatiness under all the fruitiness that's quite distinct. Not quite sulphurous yet, but it's there. On top of this meatiness, there's quite a lot of fruit - grapes, apples, figs. Grape peel. A light, lingering tendril of smoke comes through.

Finish - Fairly long, with some tannins and spice. Clove and black tea, my guess.

Overall - PY split this bottle with me, and it was quite worth it!