Tomatin 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
86 Proof
Price Point: $30 – $40 for 750 ML
Distiller: The Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd.
Background
Akin to Bulleit Bourbon, and other whiskies I have commented on similarly, Tomatin 12 Year Old is a whisky I have seen frequently on the shelf but never had a compelling reason to purchase a bottle. As I’ve said before, living in the control state of Pennsylvania means my options are limited, and at this price point, it was time to buy a bottle of Tomatin and see how it tastes.
Review
Tomatin 12 Year Old’s nose starts out with malted barley, reminiscent of a pale ale. It’s not unlike Bruichladdich Rocks with its sourdough bread-like nose. There’s subtle fruity sweetness with a big inhale.
On the palate, this is a very pleasant whisky. It’s malt-forward, with plenty of spice. It’s smooth, but not dull; tasty without a hint of peat. Fruit characteristics are very minimal here, but do exist likely due to the sherry finishing. Tomatin 12 Year Old tastes like your everyday, flavorful Highland Scotch.
On the finish, this whisky leaves cinnamon and spice, not unlike the Amrut portfolio of whiskies.
Rating & Recommendations
Tomatin 12 Year Old is a decent Scotch, earning a rating of 83 out of 100.
This is an agreeable whisky in that it’s not overly complex or individual in its character. But it’s a good whisky to sip and enjoy while letting your mind wander elsewhere.
-Ryan
2 comments
Good evening, Ryan.
After reading many of your reviews over the past few years, I have just one question to pose to you. Considering all the whisk(e)y expressions that you have purchased & reviewed, which made enough of an impression on you to purchase again on a recurring basis? For example, is the Tomatin 12 worthy of another purchase at a later date, or does it fall into the “I bought it for this review but it’ll never see the top of Sarah’s china cabinet again”?
Have a great weekend.
Chuck
Author
Hi Chuck.
That’s a very interesting question. A mainstay in our household is Evan Williams Bourbon, as it is, in my opinion, the best value for your dollar that is readily available to purchase.
If I’m bringing a bottle to a friend’s house or a party, I’ll typically bring something like Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old, or Glenlivet 15 Year Old Scotch, as they are all affordable as well as agreeable to the general whiskey-drinking masses.
When we feel like splurging, we’ll consider buying a bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail Scotch. Not all the time, but I’ve bought a few bottles over the years.
Aside from that, and a few exceptions of “double-dipping”, I tend to only purchase new whiskeys, as this blog keeps me pretty busy. Frankly, I just can’t drink them quickly enough to buy multiples of all the good bottles!
Cheers!
-Ryan