Tomatin 11 Year Old 2004 Usquebaugh Society

The Dutch club Usquebaugh Society surprised me pleasantly before with their Millstone Rye and a fantastic Glen Garioch, but their club bottling for 2016 is a young Tomatin from 2004, matured on a first fill bourbon barrel.

The nose is light, but very inviting with lovely hints of banana, pineapple and gooseberry, but also something green that reminds me of ferns. Eucalyptus? Marzipan with basil, should such a thing exist. It becomes fruitier and sweeter if you leave it to breathe for a while.

Softly spices on the palate: pepper and nutmeg. But still quite the kick in the teeth because of the high ABV. Barely quaffable without water. Nice complexity with creamy vanilla, banana and some ginger. The oak puts its foot down, counterweighing the sweet and fruity character. The second sip goes down a lot easier, proving this is a very drinkable malt indeed. I will not add water.

The finish is long and warm with a drying effect towards the end.

Lovely selection by the boys and girls of the Usquebaugh Society. Tomatin again proves never to disappoint. Still for sale from their site for around 68 EUR. Thanks, Sjoerd.

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