Laid down in 2015 in a 1st fill oloroso sherry cask (#990461), this Skene Tomatin was released towards the end of 2020. Bottled at 50% and with only 185 bottles available (a smaller cask? Or cask share?) this release clocks in at a price which is eye-opening for all the right reasons - £35 from the J.L. Gill shop online. Woozers.
Nose: Millionaire’s shortbread is served with apples dipped in thick crunchy toffee whilst golden cereals are joined by Shredded Wheats dusted in fine sugar. Peach slices develop and are accompanied by a dollop of thick whipped cream, whilst a cup of mocha is supplied with a side plate of chocolate covered digestives. Dilution is all of the Twix bars alongside vanilla-piped choux buns.
Taste: A similar, welcoming profile awaits on the palate. Bramley apple sauce and freshly picked Granny Smiths join bubbly honeycomb and rich caramel sauce, whilst heavily reduced mixed red and black berries are transformed into jams and preserves. Fabric is expressed with canvas sack bags whilst liquorice is pepped up by a measured addition of pepper and powdered ginger. Reduction here presents a soft and silky texture with a spicier underbelly – cloves and cinnamon added into the aromatic mix.
Finish: Medium in length with sherried berries joined by earthy chocolate.
What this Skene Tomatin loses in a narrow profile, it more than makes up for with balanced deliciousness. Despite spending the best part of 5 years in a 1st fill sherry cask, the influence here has centred more around toffees, caramels and chocolates – with berry fruits as a welcome support. And all of these favours pair exceedingly well with Tomatin’s fruity spirit style – and a decent bottling strength also helps make for an impactful whisky, which at £35, is in my opinion something of a bargain. Perhaps it doesn’t have the pitch darkness that seems to send sherry lovers into a hue-induced tailspin? Regardless, you can’t argue with tastiness.
Review sample provided by Skene Whiskies