Tomatin 12 YO

Tomatin 12 YO, 43 %

We have previously shared our thoughts on Tomatin Legacy and Tomatin 18 YO. Today it is time for Tomatin 12 YO. This is also a whisky in the core range of this highland distillery. The distillery was founded in 1897, and has been in operation for most of the time since then - only closed between 1906 and 1909.

Interestingly enough Tomatin was the largest whisky distillery in Scotland during the 1970s, with 23 stills and an annual production at about 12 million liters alcohol! Since then a few stills have been dismantled, and production capacity is at about 5 million liters now. The actual production is around half that, from what I have found searching the vast 'net.

If you want to purchase this bottle, it is available in Norway at NOK 440 (item number 524501), and in Sweden at SEK 349 (item number 443).

Nose (20/25): Hmm, that's a bit strange - rhuburb. That's a first I think. Then pepper, a slight spiciness, which is pleasant. It certainly is a lot more reserved and 'shy' compared to the 18 YO. Maybe it is the lower alcohol, maybe it is the age difference, or different cask mix?

Taste (20/25): Smooth, fruity and nutty. Again it seems to hold back a little.

Finish (19/25): It becomes more dry, and less fruity on the finish. The nuts are now cracked open and only the dry shells are left scattered about.

Balance (19/25): The Tomatin 12 YO is a nice enough dram, but I think this would have benefited from an increased ABV to 46 and making it non-chill filtered.

Score (78/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas