Reviews of affordable whiskies with some entertaining tales along the way…
Long-term readers of this blog will be aware that I like to write reviews that explore some of the stories that surround the brands, distilleries and whiskies that I feature. That will always be my preferred approach but a recent stock-take highlighted to me that I have an enormous backlog of samples to get through. If I’m ever to have any hope of actually publishing my notes on each one, I’m going to have to work a little bit faster. With that in mind, I decided it would be sensible to produce a few reviews that got to the point in considerably fewer words. If you’re a fan of the longer pieces, have no fear, I’ll still do that when there’s a good story to tell but I see no harm in providing a quick bit of background followed by my tasting notes and conclusions in certain circumstances. First up, is a brief look at Tomintoul Tlàth, a single malt from the Speyside region.
Tomintoul was established in the 1960s, with its primary function being to produce whisky for use in various blended Scotch brands. Nowadays, however, the Glen Livet-based distillery has its own single malt range. Introduced by current owners, Angus Dundee Distillers. Tlàth is Gaelic for mild, a name which rather suits the light, delicate profile of Tomintoul. The whisky is matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 40% abv.
*Full disclosure: the sample featured in this article came in an Advent Calendar that I was sent for free. As always, I will strive to give an honest opinion on the quality of the dram and the value for money it represents.
Smell: Honeyed malt. Some biscuit notes. Almond and marzipan. Baked apples and pear. Orange and lemon. Baking spices. Toffee.
Taste: Caramel and butterscotch. Subtle peppery heat with a touch of oak coming through towards the middle of the tongue. Toffee. Vanilla. Toasted oak. Citrus. Peach. Apricot jam. Some tingly wood spice on the finish.
Thoughts: Not as lightweight as I’ve found Tomintoul in the past although it still lacks a little in body. There are some pleasant flavours in the glass, however. I certainly wouldn’t call it unpleasant to sip on. Even struck me as a little bolder in flavour, certainly in comparison to the 10-year-old expression. It isn’t complicated or challenging but rather an effortless sipper that can be enjoyed without much thought given to it.
Price: £30. I don’t think there’s much to complain about with the price. I’m not sure the whisky delivered anything unique or interesting enough to have me rushing out to secure a bottle but should one ever come into my possession, I think I’d enjoy working my way through it. It’s a budget-friendly option for fans of the lighter Speyside style.
For more on Tomintoul visit https://www.tomintoulwhisky.com/
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