The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Emma Briones
Rating: B
Tomatin 15 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish
(Credit: Takara Shuzo Corp.)
Tomatin is one of those distilleries that likes to experiment with different barrels. Their latest experiment is this Tomatin 15 year old, for which the Highlands distillery has chosen Portuguese moscatel wine barrels.
Tomatin 15 Year Old Moscatel is a single malt, distilled in 2003. After the first traditional aging stage at the distillery, the spirit went to Moscatel wine barrels, where it stayed for 5 years more. According to the distillery, at that time the whisky reached its optimum maturation point. From there it was bottled at 46% ABV, without chill filtration and at its natural color.
The Scotch
Tomatin 15 Year Old Moscatel comes in the usual Tomatin bottle. In the glass, the whisky has a deep gold coloring.
On the nose, it gives a winey first impression. There are also some vanilla and honey notes, blended with toasted oak. These notes are followed by a sweet and fruity side with apple, orange and raisins notes. A little touch of spice.
On the palate, this Tomatin is a warm and slightly oily whisky. It is mellow, with sweet notes of malt and vanilla. There are also some fruit cake and biscuit notes. That fruity side is full of oranges, dry figs and raisins, plus a light touch of almonds and a note of ginger. The finish is lengthy, with coffee notes. This is an intense and has a full-bodied whiskey, while being smooth, sweet and fruity.
The Price
Tomatin 15 Year Old Moscatel is a limited edition with only 6,000 bottles available worldwide. In the UK it is retailed at £75, with prices in Europe around €85 and $99 in the U. S.
