Whisky : Tomatin 31 Year SMWS 11.41 “Smoke, mirrors, and honey traps”

Country/Region : Scotland/Highlands

ABV : 50.8%

Cask : Refill Bourbon Hogshead

Age : 31 Years (Distilled 16 Mar. 1989)

Nose :  Smoke, fruit, and honey.  The initial aroma delivered the impression of a train yard, coal briquettes, and a freshly lit barbecue grill.  As the smoke faded sweet swimming pool chemicals came into focus which led into a bounty of tropical fruits: fermenting guava, fresh lilikoi, and green mangos.  Water brought out more honey drizzled over thick slices of toast and vanilla ice cream.

Palate :  Light and delicate with a bright crisp flavor profile of honey, fruit, and wood.  Punchy notes of sweet honey comb, soot, and brown sugar.  Gradually a tannic structure built up and the once light body began to feel heavier.  Impressions of lemon pound cake and pineapple upside down cake as the dram developed.  On the finish were notes of hard water, pool chemicals, melting fruity popsicles, and sticky popsicle sticks.

Finish : Lingering crushed sugar cane, overripe guava, and a burnt wooden palette.

Score : 7

Mental Image : Birthday Party at the Pool

Notes :  I had no idea that peated Tomatin was a thing— but this was really tasty and I am definitely down to try some more.  This had a lovely rich layer of smoke to it that parted to reveal a bouquet of subtle tropical fruits and dense cakes.  I was surprised that so much smoke came through on this very mature malt, but it was a welcome one to be sure.  We sampled this during a local virtual tasting and I think everyone was surprised by just how punchy flavors were, especially as the nose was relatively quiet and only slowly took shape.  This was very well received, though it was ultimately overshadowed by some of the younger and bolder drams we had later in the evening.  Our local group definitely has a strong preference for young brash profiles.  

Overall, this was a surprisingly tasty bottle full of unexpected flavor notes.  This is not the sort of thing I am grabbing out of my closet on the regular and the price point was beyond what I would normally spend on a bottle, but for a tasting it worked out well.