Whisky Advocate Blog

Tomatin, 1973 Vintage (Cask #25602), 44%, £450

Aged in a refill American oak cask. Quite lively for its age, and the oak (surprisingly and happily) plays a supporting role rather than dominating. Creamy and mouth-coating, with vanilla wafer, coconut cream pie, caramel, nougat, and bright fruit (sultana, apricot, tangerine, and pineapple in syrup). Soothing finish. A very nice whisky. (Not available in the U.S.)

Advanced  Malt Advocate magazine rating: 92

The first one is a 15 year old, aged in used bourbon casks. The second one is a revamped 18 year old. It has additional sherry cask aging, and it’s also bottled at a higher strength (46% versus the standard 43%).

The entire line’s packaging was also upgraded.

So, the regular line-up now consists of a 12 & 18 yr. old with some sherry cask aging, and a 15 & 25 yr. old, aged in used bourbon casks.

Tomatin, 18 year old, 46%, $60
A new, beefed up version of the 18 year old, with a higher alcohol level and (seemingly) more sherry influence. I must say that I really enjoyed the previous expression, rating it an 87 for its roundness and elegance. I really like this one too and its bold demeanor. Whether you like it or its predecessor comes down to preference and mood. Notes of toffee apple, pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, date nut cake, ripe fruit, and roasted nuts, all dusted with cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa.

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 88

Tomatin, 15 year old, 43%, $40
A new expression in the portfolio. Quite fruity, with prominent honey-tinged citrus peel, nutty toffee, nougat, and vanilla fudge, leading to a gripping, firm, dry oak resin finish. Deeper and bolder than the 12 year old expression.

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 83