Whiskies aged in first-fill Sherry butts are especially so, and those drawn entirely from such sherried stock are invariably known as “sherry bombs” for the potent flavors the malt whisky has derived from its time spent mingling with the sherry-soaked wood. The ‘Sherried’ character, therefore, is down to the Sherry itself, but also oxidation and the way in which the Sherry has interacted with and changed compounds in the oak. All of these then interact over time with the maturing spirit.

The Sherry and wood form a pincer movement that stamps out distillery character or any sense of identity in the distillate itself. For me, a great Sherry-matured malt should possess a balance between distillery identity, fruitiness, earthiness and a lick of spice. Sherry bombs almost always eschew this tightrope balance in favor of heat, density and aggression of wood flavor.

Tomatin Distillery has been producing whisky for the blending industry for over 120 years even as their fellow distillers began launching their own single malt offerings to the market. It was not until in the early 2000s that the distillery released their own line of single malt expressions which they slowly expanded over the years with a range of new core and limited edition offerings that showcase their very own distinct style of whisky.

It is a rich full bodied whisky with a predominantly malty fragrance. At first blush, this dram is not “in you face” exciting. But there is a complexity that is worth a second tasting. Sweet oak and honey, the flavors are light, but balanced and the finish lingering, without being cloying.

Cask Type: Matured in American Bourbon barrels and sherry butts. ABV: 46%. Color: Warm Amber

Nose
The nose is quite punchy and of good body, each sip of this Scotch yields an inviting aroma of sultanas, chewy grape, fig, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and clove. There are notes of chewy grape and sultana with winter spice; cloves and cinnamon. There are also notes of vanilla fudge and a most supple of smokes, weaving gracefully in cut grasses and apple peels.

Palate
On the palate, the spirit is quite dry with an aromatic aftertaste quite sweet and full. There are notes of barley sugar and honeycomb. Hints of chocolate orange and cocoa dusted liberally on toasty oak. 

Finish
Paving the way for a rich, smooth, and fairly sweet palate of crisp green apple, sherry, orange zest, brown sugar, honeycomb, cocoa, granola, vanilla fudge, and supple smokiness. The finish is long and powerful with a dry, chewy oak and a touch of pepper.. honey and soft oak flavors develop into a hint of dark chocolate with a citrus bite.  A sustained sweet and slightly dry finish.  

Balance, Body & Feel
Amazing Scotch, let it breathe a little water and a couple of minutes to wake up, soft but with lots of personality. A great and complex smell, a taste to which I cannot have any complaint, finish is the right length, whisky is very well matured.