Tomintoul 21 - 40%
Tomintoul Speyside Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 21 Years has been lovingly crafted, from a careful selection of the finest mature whisky from bourbon casks, each aged for at least twenty-one years.
Colour: Gold
Nose: Ripe and pronounced with aromas of soft nougat, ruby grapefruit, boiled sweets and dried cranberry lifted by a herbal freshness.
Palate: A wash of baked apple, honeycomb, orange peels, Danish pastries and Turkish Delight bound in white pepper and oak spices.
Finish: Fresh and tingly with notes of apple strudel, cedar spice and cinnamon lingering on the tongue.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Burnished gold, forms a thick line which beads before falling as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Dried citrus fruit peel, rich vanilla pod, dried goji berries and hints of malt.
Palate: Buttery and mouthcoating, butterscotch toffee, stewed apples, vanilla, candied peel and honey. White pepper provides a spicy tingle.
Finish: Tobacco leaf, a hint of worn leather, vanilla, lemon citrus, cinnamon and white pepper.
Summary: This is a malt that is exceptionally easy to drink, well balanced and enjoyable. If whisky with a soft, gentle character is your preferred style then it's a decent option.
For me though, it reminds me of the vanilla sponge in the cake shop display, easy and reliable, nothing about it that is too challenging. Nice enough, but when put up against rich chocolate cake, tangy lemon drizzle and spicy ginger biscuits it feels a little 'safe' and isn't going to stay in the memory for anywhere near as long.
Currently priced around £145, which isn't obscenely high for a 21 year old in the current market, although most are above the 40% abv seen in this bottling. For that kind of price I expect a malt that really captures my attention and holds it, unfortunately something that this one just doesn't do. Given a straight choice from the three bottlings tried, I would opt for the more interesting, and better value for money, 16 year old.
If you would like to know more about Tomintoul whiskies, and the Tomintoul distillery, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: this sample pack and tasting session was by invitation of Angus Dundee Distillers plc. The author has no affiliation with the company, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.
