Whisky Review/Tasting: Tomatin Cabernet Sauvignon

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tomatin Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: January 25th, 2002.
Maturation Process: Initially matured for nine years in traditional oak casks (hogsheads, re-refill, ex-bourbon casks), followed by five years in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks.
Age Statement: 14 years.
ABV: 46%.
Filtration: Un-chill filtered.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as having a full, clean, and visible appearance, especially notable in the absence of its main label. The bottle features a new design from Tomatin, with a big coat of arms on the back and writings on the top, described as "perfectly shaped" and "handsome."

General Tasting Notes: Sweet, with a lot of fruit and honey notes. The Cabernet Sauvignon casks impart flavors of red fruit, honey, and a punchy fruit jam finish. The whisky is described as having a very intense spiciness at the tip of the tongue, pleasant and mouthwatering on the tongue itself, with a bit of dryness in the aftertaste. Vanilla and caramel notes emerge later.
Comparison: Notably different from sherry cask-matured whisky, lacking the sherry sweetness but offering lighter red fruits reminiscent of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

Cask Origin: The ex-Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks, which previously contained wine from the Bordeaux region in France, contribute significantly to the whisky's flavor profile. These casks are chosen for their ability to impart complex, pleasant tastes after reducing the wine's initial roughness through maturation.

Cabernet Sauvignon Grape: Originating from the Bordeaux region in France, this grape variety is the most planted worldwide, covering approximately 300,000 hectares. The grape's historical and geographical significance is highlighted, tracing back to Roman times.

"People at Tomatin know what they are doing, really." - This quote emphasizes the distillery's expertise and successful experimentation with wine cask maturation.
The reviewer's appreciation for the bottle's design, even in the absence of its main label, suggests a preference for simplicity and elegance in presentation.

Tomatin Cabernet Sauvignon is a 14-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, matured in traditional and ex-Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks.
It features a sweet, fruity, and honeyed flavor profile with a spicy, pleasant mouthfeel and a hint of dryness in the aftertaste.
The use of ex-Cabernet Sauvignon casks from Bordeaux adds a unique dimension to the whisky, differentiating it from sherry cask-matured counterparts.
The distillery's expertise in selecting and utilizing these wine casks is praised, contributing to the whisky's distinctiveness.

Wine Enthusiasts: Individuals with a background in wine tasting, particularly those who appreciate Cabernet Sauvignon, may find this whisky intriguing due to its wine cask maturation.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those with a palate for nuanced and complex flavors will likely enjoy the balance of fruit, honey, and spice.
Collectors: Given its limited bottling (2,436 bottles) and unique maturation process, this whisky could appeal to collectors seeking rare or distinctive expressions.