This whisky was formerly the standard 12 Years Old and forms the cornerstone of the core domestic range of Tomatin. The new name brings renewed focus on the three cask types used in maturation – ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and re-fill casks. The release also heralds a packaging refresh, that includes colour coding for each bottling in the range and a wood-grain motif on the exterior packaging to symbolise the natural tree rings found in oak.
Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, between Aviemore and Inverness. It was founded in 1897 by a group of Inverness businessmen and was originally named Tomatin Spey. It later became Tomatin, the name of the local village, in 1907. Tomatin is currently owned by the Takara Shuzo Corporation. They purchased the distillery in 1986 after the previous ownership had been liquidated. It has a current annual capacity of five million litres. The distillery produces unpeated Tomatin whisky, which is used for this bottling, plus the peated Cù Bòcan range.
The Tomatin 12 Years Old Triple Cask is released at 43% ABV and is available in selected world markets now. The redesigned packaging will be introduced to the remainder of the core range over the coming months. A bottle will cost £49.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is a bright, vibrant gold and the nose is soft, sweet and packed with green orchard fruit. Aromas of green apple and ripe pear are quickly joined by plenty of vanilla essence, runny honey and butterscotch sauce. Underneath sit hints of tinned peach, milk chocolate and elegant baking spice.
On the palate this whisky is soft, silky and luscious. It feels gentle, buttery and creamy in the mouth with a delightful set of characteristics up front. Baked apple and juicy ripe pear lead the way again alongside some floral honey and vanilla toffee. That canned peach element from the nose is also present and gives an uplifting vibe. A pinch of cocoa powder, sugary sultana and velvety milk chocolate are evident too.
The second half is led by an increasingly influential malted barley note, which adds a lovely depth and structure to the whisky. This is complimented nicely by warming and gentle woody spices, especially some warm gingerbread and freshly baked cinnamon cookie notes. Hints of white pepper and mace also coming through well. A final flourish of oak sawdust is welcome.
The finish is of decent length, being soft and creamy with plenty of fruit as before. The apple and pear, plus peach and sultana fade. This allows the malted barley and warming spices to the fore. A little oak tannin also adds some weight and a dryness towards the end.
What’s The Verdict?
This whisky is lovely and has a gentle creaminess and buttery feel. It is sweet and fruity but with a malty undertone, and this makes it highly classic in Scotch whisky terms. Very easy drinking and enjoyable, this whisky is full of flavour and would be perfect to sip and savour without things getting too complicated. We enjoyed it very much and it is definitely worth checking out this bottle from this underrated Highland distillery.
