James MacArthur Old Masters ‘Cask Strength Selection’ Tomatin 1997 (16 year old) 56.4%
Bourbon Cask 5959/ Dist: 1997 Btl: 2014/ Tasted: Dec 2014
The nose displays a lovely intensity of malt, coffee grains and straw. Those sharp grains go head to head with the treacly malt, with neither coming out on top. Fresh and fairly herbal. A powerfully, natural nose.
The palate opens with the herbal and juicy barley with hints of malt, earth and coffee. A little mushroomy and loamy on the middle. Long, malty and juicy fruit finish with a touch of marzipan oak. It’s sort of Tomatin in the raw!
Dilution emphasises the malt and brings out a delightful, light, floral honey note along with some barley and luscious juicy orange. Ooooh it’s really succulent and juicy now! The palate is equally as moist and juicy, but it still retains that earthy, loamy character. Seriously juicy finish with some mature wood notes coming through along with the malt.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 