Two new limited-edition Tomintoul whiskies are going into distribution in the U.S. I posted my review of one of them below. I’ll post the other one next Friday. The Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, reviewed below, really surprised me with how mature and richly flavored it was for being only 12 years old.
Tomintoul, Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, 12 year old, 40%, $70
The subtle sherry adds an additional level of complexity when compared to the standard 10 year old and takes Tomintoul to a new level. Rich, creamy, and well balanced notes of toffee, vanilla fudge, toasted nuts, and elegant fruit. An incredibly delicious whisky for 12 years old.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 88
Was tomintoul this big 5 years ago? I remember buying the 16yo for $38 back then, when I had never heard of it. It was ok; nothing amazing. Now I see it all over the place. I think it’s just marketing.
Have you tasted this particular whisky? It is very good. Not just marketing.
Next Friday’s review will be a different story, though.
I’d like to weigh in here for Tomintoul. I think they make wonderful, but largely unappreciated single malts. Their 10 yo is very fresh and clean with bright citrus flavors, and reminds me a lot of the terrific Glen Elgin 12 yo. The 16 yo Tomintoul is also very well made with a distinctly creamy texture and unique mouthfeel and excellent quality for the price. Their 27 yo is also very good and and Park Avenue in New York now has a 40 yo Tomintoul indie bottling that is both complex and remarkably well balanced, a stunning testament to the ability of Tomintoul to age well, comparable to Auchentoshan for age worthiness for a relatively light whisky. I didn’t fully appreciate Tomintoul whiskies until tasting them blind on several occasions.
LSD, I recommend you try these again, you may be pleasantly surprised! I’m looking forward to someday tasting the new 12 yo, but $70 ….. ouch.
I have enjoyed all of the Tomintouls you mention above. The only one I don’t like is another new one, which I’m posting up here tomorrow.
Yep, $70 is steep, but I am afraid that it will eventually become the norm.