Whisky Review/Tasting: Tomatin 14 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland, Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured for 14 years with a finishing period in Portwood casks made from European oak.
Age Statement: 14 years
ABV: 46%
Unchill Filtered: Yes
Uncolored: Yes
Color and Clarity: Natural dark color attributed to the Portwood cask finishing.
Bottle Design: The packaging emphasizes its natural color, non-chill filtered status, and Portwood finish. The distillery's heritage and location in the Monachlith Mountains are also highlighted.

Aroma: Honeydew melon, red berries, baked apples, rich toffee, butterscotch, sweet honey, and bitter dark chocolate.
Palate: Fruit and nuts, peaches, apricots, mango, plum, mixed walnut, and pecan. Notable for its strong spiciness and bitterness, particularly from dark chocolate and walnuts.
Finish: Smooth fruit salad that lingers, with a contrast between initial fruitiness and subsequent overwhelming spiciness and bitterness.

Distillery History: Tomatin has a rich history, once having the most pot stills in the world and primarily exporting to Japan. It has since reduced its number of stills and focuses on quality over quantity.
Cask Finishing: The choice to finish the whisky in Portwood casks is a relatively recent development aimed at introducing additional aromas and flavors.

Location: Situated in the Monachlith Mountains just south of Inverness, Tomatin is one of the highest distilleries in Scotland, which contributes to its unique maturation process due to the significant temperature variations.

"Unchill filtered whiskies taste better than the others." - A common belief, though the host mentions a study showing no significant difference in quality due to unchill filtering.
"The aroma is wonderful in front. The taste is so strong and so overwhelming that you completely miss the second smell." - Reflecting on the balance of flavors.
"You have to love that but if you don't like bitterness, don't try this one." - Advising on personal taste preferences.

Tomatin 14 years is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured for 14 years with a finishing period in Portwood casks.
It features a natural dark color, is unchill filtered, and has an ABV of 46%.
The flavor profile includes a complex mix of fruits, nuts, and spices, with a notable contrast between its aromatic fruitiness and the overwhelming spiciness and bitterness on the palate.
The distillery's history and geographical location contribute to the whisky's unique characteristics.
The whisky may not be well-balanced for everyone, particularly due to its strong bitterness.

For the Adventurous Drinker: Those who enjoy exploring complex and strong flavor profiles with a significant contrast between aroma and taste.
For the Scotch Enthusiast: Individuals with a preference for Highland whiskies and an interest in the influence of cask finishing on flavor.
Not Recommended for: Those who prefer their whisky without a strong bitter component.