Whisky Review/Tasting: Tomatin Contrast "Sherry & Bourbon"

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tomatin Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The set includes two half bottles, one matured in ex-bourbon casks and the other in ex-sherry casks. The whiskies come from casks of the years 1973, 1977, 1988, 1991, 2002, and 2006. After initial maturation, the whiskies were further matured (or "vetted") for six additional years in fresh ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks.
Age Statement: No specific age statement due to the blend of different vintages.
Color and Clarity: The ex-bourbon matured whisky is lighter in color, while the ex-sherry matured whisky is significantly darker.
Bottle Design: The set consists of two half bottles, designed to visually contrast each other, highlighting the difference in maturation.

Ex-Bourbon Matured Whisky: Light and fruity with a significant presence of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of citrus. Noted for its vanilla caramel light style, with a surprising depth of dark roasted espresso notes, pepper, and cloves.
Ex-Sherry Matured Whisky: Darker, with a full-bodied profile featuring Christmas pudding, a harmonious blend of bitterness resembling more of a cappuccino than espresso, and a light cinnamon note. The sherry wood influence is described as not overly intense, suggesting a harmonization with the sherry itself.

The Tomatin Contrast set offers a unique opportunity to directly compare the effects of bourbon and sherry cask maturation on whisky distilled in specific years. This initiative, led by distilling manager Graham Jonsson, aims to create an exceptional tasting experience by showcasing the distinct influence of wood on whisky flavor.

The emphasis on the vital role of wood in Scotch whisky production underscores the traditional craftsmanship and innovation within the Scottish whisky industry. The Contrast set highlights the Tomatin Distillery's commitment to exploring and celebrating the nuanced impacts of cask selection and maturation processes.

"Wood is a vital ingredient in the production of Scotch whisky... Up to 70% of the final flavour is derived from the selection of the cask in which it is matured."
The tasting experience is described as "incredible" and "exceptional," emphasizing the distinct and complex flavor profiles achieved through the contrasting maturation processes.

The Tomatin Contrast "Sherry & Bourbon" set features two half bottles of single malt Scotch whisky, each showcasing the unique influence of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry cask maturation.
The whiskies, derived from selected casks across multiple vintages, offer a comparative tasting experience that highlights the significant role of wood in flavor development.
The ex-bourbon matured whisky presents a lighter, vanilla-caramel profile with unexpected dark espresso notes, while the ex-sherry matured whisky offers a darker, full-bodied experience with harmonious bitterness and cinnamon notes.
This limited release, with only 5400 sets available, represents a creative exploration of maturation effects by the Tomatin Distillery, emphasizing the craftsmanship and innovation within the Scotch whisky industry.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for the nuances of whisky maturation will find the comparative tasting experience enlightening.
Collectors: The limited availability and unique concept make this set a desirable addition to any collection.
Beginners with a Curiosity for Cask Influence: Newcomers interested in understanding the impact of different cask maturation processes on whisky flavor will find this set educational and engaging.