This week I am trying a Tomintoul 16 year old single malt whisky. Tomintoul meaning “Hillock of the Barn” is a village in the Speyside region of Scotland. It is a relatively young distillery, built in 1964, close to the village of the same name. Tomintoul village itself is one of Scotland’s highest, at an altitude of 345m.
The 4th Duke of Gordon established the village in 1776 already. It’s one of Scotland’s driest areas, as the Cairngorm Mountains intercept much of the rain. Drawing its water from the Ballantruan Spring, the Tomintoul distillery sits in rugged mountain terrain.
The Cairngorm National Park area surrounding Tomintoul is of astounding natural beauty. There is an array of flora and fauna specific to the region. Many of Scotland’s most endangered species are protected in the wilderness around Tomintoul. These include the golden eagle, mountain hare, wild cat, black grouse, red squirrel and otter.
Many pheasants live around the distillery, and they will come to visit for a free dinner when the grain trucks arrive. According to the Tomintoul Distillery, there is one particular pheasant, whom they have named Vincent, that has become a bit of a distillery mascot and can be fed by hand.
The distillery is owned by the independent company Angus Dundee Distillers, which bought it from the Whyte & Mackay group in 2000. The Tomintoul 16 year old Scotch whisky is known as ‘The Gentle Dram’. It has won various awards at the World Spirits Competitions.
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Tomintoul 16 year old Single Malt Whisky Review
REGION: Speyside
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: Dark amber, copper colour in the glass. It is a heavy, oily whisky that leaves slow fingers down the insides of the glass.
NOSE: A rich and heavy nose emerges from the glass. The first impression is sherry and brandied fruit. There are notes of candied apples and oak with hints of fresh-cut grass. Without the addition of water, this Tomintoul is very smooth. Adding a bit of water releases notes of oak and sweetness.
PALATE: The palate has notes of fruit and spice with hints of bitter chocolate. There are bits of cream in the background with an nutty oiliness.
FINISH: This 16 year old has a long finish. It builds slowly and ends in notes of sweet nuts and spices. It is a very oily whisky that leaves a rich oily feel to the palate. This whisky puts a smile on your face. It is delightfully smooth and gentle.
RATING: EXCELLENT.
The Whisky Bible rates this Tomintoul Distillery release 94.5 out of 100, and I can understand why. It is delicious. A special dram to have in my collection. I am going to be sad when this bottle is empty. It is a subtle and smooth whisky and very drinkable. The 16 year old single malt certainly lives up to the moniker of a “Gentle Dram”.
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