Big T 5 Year Old (b.1960s)

The T in this Big T reers to the Highland distillery Tomatin. It’s also clearly blown into the bottom of the glass bottle: ‘Tomatin Distillers (Exports) Ltd, Edinburgh’. Moreover, this is – contrary to today’s release – ‘guaranteed over 5 years old’. My buddy Timon challenged me to put it head-to-head with the current release.

The nose is rife with toffee and caramel with a hint of chocolate. But I confess: there is no discernable fruit in here. Even after I have overcome some OBE, I still find it very hard to discover anything else. Maybe a handful of sultanas? But that’s it. Oh, wait… after five minutes of air, I also get some light brown sugar. Whodathunk? But I’m not impressed.

The body is watery, almost flat. I do get some greengages and gooseberries now, along with some oranges and blueberries. This is actually turning out quite alright. The prickling spiciness on white pepper and liquorice kicks in. Yes, it’s starting to recover. Much better than the nose announced.

In the medium long finish, it’s all about caramel and oranges. A soft bitterness from the oak announces the demise.

The nose left a lot to be desired, but on the palate this was more than okay. Thanks, Timon.