Whisky Review/Tasting: Tomintoul Peaty Tang

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside Glenlivet region, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Details not specified, but it's noted that Tomintoul typically produces unpeated whisky, making Peaty Tang a unique expression.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned for Peaty Tang.
Color: Rich Gold.
Clarity and Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a green bottle, suggesting a traditional and natural aesthetic. The design specifics are not detailed, but there's mention of a miniature bottle version for tasting without opening a full bottle.

Balance of Flavors: A gentle balance between peat smoke and subtle floral notes, with a hint of malty nuttiness.
Unique Characteristics: The Peaty Tang is described as having a pleasant, gentle peat smoke rather than a bonfire or medicinal phenolic taste. It also features floral aromas, a slight oiliness, and a lingering smoke and peat with a touch of sweetness.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, it's noted that its peat level is moderate, estimated at 15 to 25 ppm, making it less intense than Islay whiskies but more so than other slightly peated whiskies from the islands.

Interesting Anecdotes: The Tomintoul distillery is highlighted for its location in the highest village in the Highlands, near the Ballantyne Spring, which is touted for its purity. A personal anecdote shared involves a visit to the distillery with two feet of fresh snow and summer tires, emphasizing the distillery's remote and elevated position.

Historical Context: The Speyside Glenlivet region's history is touched upon, noting how the Glenlivet distillery's fame led other distilleries in the valley to add "Glenlivet" to their names. Tomintoul's master distiller, Robert Fleming, represents the fourth generation of his family making whisky in this region, underscoring a deep-rooted heritage.

Opinions: The Peaty Tang is recommended as an introductory smoky whisky due to its pleasant and gentle peat profile. The host appreciates the whisky's balance and unique flavor profile, especially noting the absence of typical fruitiness or vanilla and caramel notes.
Quotes: "It's a wonderful pleasant gentle peat smoke," and "This one is a whisky for... the first to start with because it's so pleasant on the nose."

Tomintoul Peaty Tang is a unique expression from a distillery known for unpeated whiskies, offering a gentle peat smoke profile.
It originates from the Speyside Glenlivet region, with no specific age statement mentioned.
The whisky presents a balance of heathery smoke, subtle floral notes, and a hint of malty nuttiness, with a moderate peat level.
Anecdotes include the distillery's high elevation and the purity of the Ballantyne Spring water source.
Recommended as an introductory smoky whisky due to its gentle and pleasant peat profile.

For Beginners: An excellent introduction to peated whiskies due to its gentle and pleasant peat smoke.
For Peat Aficionados: A unique addition to explore a milder peat profile from a traditionally unpeated whisky producer.
For Collectors: The geographical and historical significance, along with the unique offering from Tomintoul, makes it a noteworthy bottle.
For Casual Drinkers: Its balanced and not overly complex profile makes it accessible and enjoyable for casual sipping.