Tomatin 1989 29 YO Connoisseurs Choice (G&M)

Tomatin 1989 29 YO Connoisseurs Choice (G&M), 54.9 %

This is an independent bottling from Gordon & MacPhail. It was distilled 1989-05-26, matured in a single refill American hogshead (cask #4224), and bottled 2018-06-27. The cask yielded a total of 243 bottles.

Still available to buy in Norway at NOK 3214 (12295401).

Nose: Rather closed up and shy. This one really needs time to open up. More time than you would expect, so be patient. With time caramel sauce, hints of citrus and creamy vanilla. “A minute passed. Then another. Then, another minute. Then... another minute passed. Then another minute passed. And another. A further minute passed quickly, followed by another minute, when suddenly, a different minute passed, followed by another different minute. And another. And yet another further different minute. A minute passed. I glanced at my watch. It was a minute past. This was it. A minute passed. After a moment, another minute passed. I waited a minute while a minute passed quickly past. And then, a minute which seemed to last an hour but was only a minute... passed.” (stolen from the legends Monty Python). Toasted oak, dry oak and more citrus. Hints of tropical fruits.

Taste: Medium body. A flourish of caramel, orange zest, vanilla, and grapefruit. Then ginger and hints of cinnamon.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Fruity with a caramel twist. Takes on a bitter-ish note as well now, oaky and fruity bitterness - imagine a grapefruit made from oak.

Comment: Well, it is rather good, if a bit too shy and bitter. This could very well be a Tomatin forced into early retirement with minimum benefits.

Score 87/100

Whoop, whoop, Knut! Thanks for the generous sample! Almost a full bottle!!! ;-)

Sláinte!
-Thomas