Tomatin Cask Strength Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A cask strength buying opportunity you won't want to miss.

Launched in early 2015, this bottling marked Tomatin's foray into core-range cask strength malt. Combining Sherry and Bourbon casks, its feisty alter-ego defied the distillery's reputation as the "Softer Side of the Highlands" and its affordability gained traction with value hunters. Sulphur sensitive Jim Murray has tasted several batches since 2017 forming a love/hate relationship: "I could weep: these sherry butts are dripping with juice. But then, sulphur taint leads to the whisky's downfall." Five years later he followed up with "Stunning malt climax on delivery, but always undone by a dull, persistent off note from the cask." Our recent tasting didn't detect much in the way of sulphur, however, at first, the bristling spices do make for an intimidating whisky. It is also one of those surprise drams that require air contact to settle the alcohol - hours, even days - after opening. The flavours start out on the gristy, green, grassy side, only to develop buttery, malty depths with vanilla and crisp oak leaving little less than a trace of sulphur in the aftertaste. It's not geared towards complexity, but it is classic Winter drinking. If you can't handle the heat, you can always add water (it's also great for beefing up lower strength malts in your liquor cabinet). Less than a handful of natural strength bottlings around $100 deliver as much punch and mouthfeel, so grab a few while you can - it may never be this cheap again! 57.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.